Inner-City Environments and Mitigation of Cockroach Allergen

Abstract

Exposure and sensitization to indoor allergens are important risk factors for asthma. While the role of indoor allergen exposure in the development of allergic sensitization and the onset of asthma remains a subject of controversy, there is strong evidence that indoor allergens play a key role in exacerbation of existing asthma, particularly in sensitized individuals. 1 Busse W.W. Addressing issues of asthma in inner-city children. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2007; 119: 43-49 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (68) Google Scholar In this supplement to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Crocker and coworkers 2 Crocker D.D. Kinyota S. Dumitru G.G. et al. Effectiveness of home-based, multi-trigger, multicomponent interventions with an environmental focus for reducing asthma morbidity: a Community Guide systematic review. Am J Prev Med. 2011; 41: S5-S32 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (148) Google Scholar advocate for a multi-trigger, multicomponent, home-based environmental intervention for the reduction of morbidity in asthmatic children and adolescents. This is appropriate guidance when dealing with the general population; however, inner-city asthmatic children, especially those who are sensitive and exposed to cockroach allergen, may experience greater benefit from a highly effective, single-component intervention that specifically targets cockroach allergen.