Millions of people suffer from allergies each year caused by various allergens such as foods, drugs, chemicals, animals, and insects. Insect allergies primarily result from bites or stings that inject venom, causing localized symptoms like swelling or systemic reactions like anaphylaxis in rare cases. Cockroach allergies are very common and caused by sensitivity to saliva, feces, or body parts transmitted through the air or direct contact. Symptoms are similar to hay fever or include coughing and wheezing. Avoiding contact with insects, keeping food covered, and cleaning one's environment can help manage insect allergies.

1. Allergies: Insect Bites and Stings
By: Gigi Ahn (November 23, 2016)
Millions of people suffer from allergies every year. There are many different types of allergic
reasons people may experience from various sources, called allergens. Allergens trigger
physiologic responses within the human body where the immune system reacts. The reaction is
often a gross representation of immune response where the body’s cells become hypersensitive
to the allergen. People may acquire specific allergy hyper-sensitization through life or it may be
genetically handed down. Allergens can come from food, drugs, chemicals and materials; as
well as from animals and insects. This article is about Insect Allergies.
Allergies which result from contact with insects primarily happen as a result of a bite or sting
mechanism. People are generally allergic to the venom that is typically injected as a result.
Normally, a bite or sting happens when the insect is disturbed while sitting on, or travelling on
the body. Some insects bite or sting once while others may do so multiple times. Very rarely do
insects seek to attack its victims unless a person has unknowingly or purposely disturbed a
nesting site.
Symptoms include, but may not be limited to, localized pain, swelling, redness, flushing, hives,
dizziness, and itching. Certain insects have the capacity to deliver highly potent reactions from
which the body may experience. For example, abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, and
diarrhea may be experienced in certain cases. CAUTION: The most serious condition resulting
from an insect bite or sting is anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening reaction which often
affects breathing and potentially forces the body to go into shock.
There is an outlier to this when it comes to a specific insect allergy; the one from cockroaches.
The cockroach allergy is very common. People who are sensitive to this type of allergy have a
hypersensitivity to the saliva, feces, and shedding of body parts which usually are transmitted
through the air. Obviously, inhalation from direct contact is also a plausible route. Cockroach
allergy symptoms are similar to common hay-fever or dust allergies which can include coughing,
nasal congestions, and wheezing. More serious symptoms can manifest themselves through skin
rashes, or ear and sinus infections.
Insect Allergies are very common but can be managed easily. The best way is to avoid contact
with known insects or nesting sites. It is best to wear long pants and a long-sleeve shirt if
possible when outdoors. Walking barefoot is not recommended; thus, wearing socks and shoes
will help prevent stepping on unsuspecting insects. Whether outside or inside, it is best to keep
food and open soda cans covered. For cockroach specific allergies, ensure there are no water
leaks in your home and avoid piling newspapers, magazines, laundry, and dirty dishes. Always

2. keep your home and relative environment clean to avoid insect traffic. Consider immunotherapy
and carry an auto-injector epinephrine pen if you know you have specific or severe allergy
reactions. Finally, eating a diet consisting of high amounts of garlic and onions is a natural way
to repel insects.