House dust mites and cockroachesi6

Cockroach allergy

Cockroach allergens are a common cause of asthma in large cities in warmer countries. In cooler countries such as Sweden, cockroach allergy is uncommon, but it can occur after an infestation.

Allergen
Cockroach Blattella germanica
Allergen code
i6
Season
All year round
Key allergens
Bla g 1, Bla g 2
Included in
1 test
Contents
  1. What is cockroach allergy?
  2. Symptoms
  3. Cross-reactivity
  4. How to get tested
  5. Frequently asked questions

What is cockroach allergy?

Cockroach allergy means that the immune system reacts to proteins from cockroaches. The allergens are found in droppings, saliva and parts of dead insects and mix with the dust in the home. The test is for the German cockroach, the species most often found in homes.

Cockroaches thrive in warm, humid environments, in apartment buildings and around kitchens. In cooler countries such as Sweden they rarely cause allergy, but in large cities in, for example, the USA and South-East Asia, cockroach allergy is a common cause of asthma.

Symptoms

  • A blocked or runny nose
  • Sneezing and itchy eyes
  • Coughing, wheezing and asthma
  • Eczema in some people

Symptoms can occur all year round and are often worst indoors.

Cross-reactivity

Cockroaches contain tropomyosin, a protein that resembles tropomyosin in mites and in shellfish such as shrimp. People with IgE to cockroach can therefore sometimes also react to shellfish.

How to get tested

Cockroach (allergen code i6) is included in our Indoor allergens test, together with the two most common house dust mites. The test shows whether you have IgE antibodies to cockroach.

Frequently asked questions

Why test for cockroach if they are rare where I live?

It is mainly relevant if you have lived in or travelled to warmer countries, have had pests at home or have asthma symptoms indoors that are not explained by mites or furry animals.

Do the allergens disappear once the cockroaches have been removed?

The allergens can remain in the dust long after pest control. Thorough cleaning is needed to get rid of them.

Often cross-reacts with

This text is general information and does not replace an assessment by a healthcare professional. In an emergency, call 112. If you have questions about your health, contact your doctor.

Tests for cockroach allergy

You take the sample yourself at home. The tests measure IgE antibodies in a capillary blood sample.

House dust mites and cockroaches

House dust mites live in beds and textiles and cause symptoms all year round, often worst at night and in the morning. Cockroaches are uncommon in cooler countries but common in warmer ones.

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We offer three types of tests - choose the one that suits you best.

Self-test: quick response at home directly.
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You will receive clear information about what the test shows, how it is used and what the next steps may be.

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