A physician trying to diagnose cockroach allergies will compile a medical history and a list of symptoms. In addition, an allergy skin test may be performed. This test involves introducing a small amount of cockroach extract to the patient’s skin to determine if the person is allergic to that allergen. If a rash or small bump develops, the patient is most likely allergic to the substance.

The best way to reduce or eliminate allergic reactions is to avoid the allergen that triggers symptoms. However, controlling cockroach debris can be difficult. Even after extensive extermination methods, removing cockroach debris will require thorough and repeated cleansing of an entire house or building.

People living in apartment buildings may find it impossible to eliminate cockroach debris without the assistance of their neighbors. This is because the cockroaches in one apartment will often move to another apartment and return when the pesticides in the original apartment wear off.

Individuals are also likely to be exposed to cockroach allergens in environments outside the home (e.g., office building). Therefore, patients may require allergy and/or asthma medication to help control their symptoms.

Over-the-counter and prescription medications that can treat the symptoms associated with cockroach allergies include:

• Antihistamines (prevent the release of symptom-causing chemicals into the body)
  
  
• Decongestants (reduce nasal and chest congestion)
  
  
• Corticosteroids (reduce inflammation)
  
  
• Bronchodilators (open breathing passages)
  
  
• Mast cell stabilizers (prevent the release of symptom-causing chemicals into the body)

Individuals who are susceptible to anaphylaxis may also be advised to carry an epinephrine injection with them, which can quickly reverse the symptoms of the condition.

If treatment with medication is unsuccessful, a physician may recommend allergy shots (immunotherapy). Allergy shots are a form of allergy and asthma treatment in which low doses of an allergen are injected into a patient over a period of time. The goal is to increase the patient’s tolerance to the allergen while reducing symptoms brought on by an allergic reaction. Allergy shots have provided relief to some patients, but are generally not considered highly effective for cockroach allergy treatment.