Cockroach debris is a common allergen that affects many people year-round. It is closely linked with dust allergies, because household dust contains tiny particles of cockroach debris as well as pollen, mold, fabric fibers, dander and dust mites. Dust can produce symptoms in individuals who are allergic to any of these allergens.

A number of allergic conditions can be caused by cockroach debris allergies and symptoms vary depending on how the allergen affects the individual. Related conditions include:

• Allergic rhinitis. Commonly called hay fever, allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the inner lining of the nose that occurs when an allergic individual encounters an airborne allergen such as cockroach debris, pollen, mold, dust mites or animal dander. Usually inhaled, these triggers generate allergy symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, runny nose, sore throat and itchy and watery eyes.
  
  

  

• Asthma. A chronic inflammation of the body’s bronchial (airway) tissues that afflicts millions of people in the United States. Cockroach debris allergies can trigger asthma attacks in some individuals. People with asthma experience shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing and wheezing.
  

  

• Allergic conjunctivitis. An allergic reaction of the eye to an airborne allergen such as cockroach debris. It involves an inflammation of the clear membrane that covers the white of the eye (conjunctiva) and can result in itching, burning, and redness in the eye. Swollen eyelids, watery eyes and eye discharge also are symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis.
  

  

• Allergic bronchitis. An allergy–related inflammation of the bronchial tubes in the respiratory system. It is a type of asthma, an inflammatory condition of the airways. Allergic bronchitis is also linked with allergic rhinitis. This occurs through the nature of the respiratory system, which is a continuum from the nose to the lungs.
  
  

  

• Allergic­ sinusitis. An inflammation of the sinus cavities in the face caused by infection, allergies or irritants. Symptoms include runny nose, headache, sensitivity in the teeth, nasal congestion and facial swelling.
  
  

  

In addition, patients with chronic stuffy nose, skin rash, constant sinus infection and recurring ear infections are more likely to develop an allergy to cockroach debris.