Bed bug allergies: recognition and treatment

Bed bug allergies are unpleasant and common, especially for those who encounter these parasites in their homes. In this article, we will look in detail at what a bedbug allergy is, how it manifests itself, how to diagnose and treat this ailment, and how to prevent its occurrence.

What is a bedbug allergy?

Bed bug allergy is an allergic reaction of the body to the bites of these insects. Bed bugs are parasitic insects that feed on human and animal blood. When a bedbug bites, its saliva and other biological substances enter the bloodstream and can cause an allergic reaction.

How bed bugs can cause an allergic reaction

Allergies to bedbug bites are caused by the immune system reacting to anticoagulants and other substances in the bedbug's saliva. In some people, the immune system perceives these substances as foreign agents and begins to attack them, resulting in an allergic reaction.

How can I tell if I'm allergic to bed bugs?

How do you distinguish allergies from bed bug bites from other skin reactions? First of all, it is necessary to consult an allergologist. The specialist will conduct a detailed interview and, if necessary, prescribe tests to diagnose bedbug allergies.

There are different tests to diagnose bedbug allergies, such as skin tests (scarification test) or blood tests for antibodies (IgE). These tests allow you to determine if a bedbug bite allergy is the cause of the symptoms you are experiencing.

Symptoms of bedbug allergy

An allergic reaction to bed bug bites can manifest itself with a variety of symptoms, including general, respiratory-related and skin symptoms.

1. General symptoms of bedbug bite allergy may include fatigue, headache, runny nose, weakness, and fever.
2. Bed bug allergies can cause difficulty breathing, coughing, shortness of breath and a sore throat.
3. Skin symptoms of bed bug bite allergy include redness, itching, rashes, blisters, swelling, and even eczema. The rash may appear on the body as spots or redness that can spread to different areas of the skin.

How to treat bed bug allergies?

Treating bed bug allergies involves several basic methods.

The first and most important step is avoiding contact with bed bugs to prevent additional bites and the development of an allergic reaction.

Your doctor may prescribe antihistamines such as cetirizine, loratadine or fexofenadine to help relieve itching, swelling and other allergy symptoms.

Corticosteroid ointments or creams such as hydrocortisone may be used to treat the skin manifestations of bed bug bite allergy. In severe cases, systemic corticosteroids such as prednisolone or antihistamine injections may be necessary.

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT)

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) is a treatment method that can be used to desensitize the body to bed bug allergens. This method involves injecting small doses of allergens into the body in order to stimulate the immune system and reduce the allergic reaction. However, ASIT is only used in cases where other treatments do not produce the desired effect and under the supervision of an allergologist.

Preventing bed bug allergies

To prevent bed bug allergies, it is important to take preventive measures.

Watch your bedding and housing hygiene, clean regularly, and inspect your home for signs of bed bugs.

How to get rid of bed bugs in the house

If you find bed bugs in your home, you should contact an extermination professional who will help you get rid of the parasites. You can also use insecticide products designed to fight bed bugs.

Allergy to bed bugs is a serious disease that can significantly worsen a person's quality of life. Proper diagnosis, timely treatment and prevention will allow you to cope with an allergic reaction to bed bug bites and return to a full life. If you experience suspicious symptoms, be sure to see an allergist for expert help.