786 Allergy to the Blatella germanica (Bla g) cockroach (CR): A major risk factor for asthma severity in adolescents

Allergen Sensitization and Perennial Asthma

“…In cities suchasChicago, Detroit and Cleveland, the prolonged cold and conse quently dry winters inhibit mite growth, and cockroaches are now recognized as the dominant indoor allergen. In deed, in several recent studies, sensitization to cockroaches has been shown to be an important determinant o f severity among inner city patients with asthma [3,[21][22][23]. In Scan dinavia, where there has also been an increase in asthma [2], sensitization to cat or dog dander appears to be the dominant factor associated with the disease.…”

Asthma among inner city children

“…However, the evidence from the present studies, from our studies in Atlanta and Charlottesville, and from Dr. Togias' studies in Baltimore suggests that the real problem is disease severity rather than access to care. 1,3,8,11 In the NCICAS study, although 50% of the caretakers stated that they had difficulty obtaining health care 96% could identify a usual place for follow-up and 92% had insurance coverage for the child. The medications used by those children who were on regular treatment included a large proportion of oral beta-2-agonists, oral xanthines, and oral steroids.…”