Bedbugs are small, parasitic insects increasingly common in homes across the country, and their presence is linked to more than just itchy bites. Research indicates that infestations can significantly worsen symptoms for people already living with asthma. Asthma is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation in the airways, causing them to swell and narrow, making breathing difficult. The connection between these pests and respiratory problems lies in the microscopic debris they leave behind in the home environment.
Identifying the Bedbug Allergen Source
While the immediate discomfort of an infestation comes from bites, the respiratory danger stems from microscopic materials shed into the air. These insects leave behind two primary sources of allergens: shed exoskeletons (cast skins) and dried feces (frass). The accumulation of this detritus contains allergenic proteins and a powerful chemical compound.
Bedbug feces contain unusually large amounts of histamine, a chemical the bugs use as part of an aggregation pheromone to help them find each other. When the frass dries and breaks down, the histamine-laden particles become airborne and mix with household dust. Studies have shown that indoor histamine levels in homes with bedbug infestations can be dramatically higher—at least 20 times greater—than in homes without the pests.
Airway Inflammation Triggered by Bedbugs
When a person with asthma inhales these microscopic bedbug allergens and accumulated histamine, the danger to the lungs begins. The immune system recognizes the proteins and histamine as a threat, triggering a hypersensitivity response that often involves the production of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies.
Once inhaled, the allergens and histamine provoke a rapid inflammatory cascade within the bronchial tubes. Histamine is a potent chemical mediator known to cause airway narrowing, even in people without a diagnosed allergy. The chronic inflammation associated with asthma is exacerbated as immune cells, such as mast cells and eosinophils, rush to the site.
This exaggerated immune response leads to the classic physical symptoms of an asthma attack. The lining of the airways swells, and the muscles surrounding the bronchial tubes constrict, a process known as bronchospasm. Additionally, the airways produce excess mucus, which further clogs the already narrowed passages. The resulting labored breathing, wheezing, and coughing are symptoms of a worsened asthmatic state linked to the presence of bedbug detritus.
Respiratory exposure to high levels of histamine has been shown to reduce a person’s forced expiratory volume, which is a measure of lung capacity. People with asthma are sensitive to this effect, meaning even a small amount of airborne debris impacts breathing function. Furthermore, the histamine and other allergens can persist for months after the live insects are eradicated, posing a long-term risk.
Environmental Strategies to Lower Allergen Levels
Effective management requires reducing airborne bedbug detritus in the home. One effective strategy is using zippered, allergen-proof encasements on mattresses and box springs. These covers prevent bedbugs from establishing a home and trap existing allergens, such as shed skins and feces, inside.
Regular and thorough cleaning is necessary to physically remove accumulated microscopic allergens. It is advisable to vacuum at least once a week using a device equipped with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. A HEPA filter captures the tiny airborne particles containing allergenic proteins and histamine, preventing them from being recirculated.
All bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, and blankets, should be washed frequently in hot water, specifically at a temperature of 130 degrees Fahrenheit or greater. High-temperature washing denatures allergenic proteins and kills any remaining bedbugs. Using a portable air cleaner with a HEPA filter in the bedroom can also help reduce the concentration of these minute particles in the air where a person sleeps.