Mouse infestations cause more asthma symptoms than cockroach exposure

Children who were found to be allergic to mice -- based on either testing method -- appeared to be more likely to have had at least one asthma-related emergency department visit in the prior 12 months compared to children not allergic to mice. Allergy to roach -- based on either testing method -- did not predict asthma-related emergency department visits in the prior 12 months. The study concluded that mice infestation is a strong predictor of mouse-specific allergy and risk for flares of asthma in young, inner-city children -- stronger than roach infestation and roach allergy.

By the Numbers:

Asthma is a serious disease that affects 26 million Americans, a number that is increasing annually. Asthma results in 4,000 deaths and 2.1 million emergency room visits every year. The greatest rise in asthma rates is among African American children with an almost 50 percent increase from 2001 through 2009. Parents of children with asthma should ask their primary care provider or pediatrician for a referral to an allergist as many treatments are covered by Medicaid. A lot of children with asthma are seen in either urgent care centers or emergency departments, which is expensive and not the best source of care. Not only are allergists experts in treating asthma, they are trained to help assess home environments to help identify and reduce environmental exposures that may cause or worsen asthma.