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Updated: Oct 21, 2025

A Method for Evaluating Insecticide Efficacy against Bed Bug, Cimex lectularius, Eggs and First Instars
06:04

A Method for Evaluating Insecticide Efficacy against Bed Bug, Cimex lectularius, Eggs and First Instars

Published on: March 15, 2017

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Respiratory diseases in patients with bed bugs

Johnathan M Sheele1

  • 1Department of Emergency Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA.

The Clinical Respiratory Journal
|September 9, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Bed bug infestations were not linked to higher rates of asthma or COPD diagnoses. However, infested patients required more medical interventions, including chest X-rays and albuterol, suggesting potential respiratory issues.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Pulmonology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Cockroach exposure is known to worsen asthma.
  • The respiratory effects of bed bug infestations remain largely unstudied.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between bed bug infestation and bronchospastic diseases, specifically asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
  • To compare the prevalence of asthma and COPD in emergency department (ED) patients with and without bed bug infestations.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving 332 adult patients with bed bug infestation and 4952 controls without infestation.
  • Analysis included univariable and multivariable regression models to assess associations.

Main Results:

  • No increased likelihood of a past history or ED diagnosis of asthma or COPD was found in patients with bed bug infestations.
  • Infested patients were more likely to receive chest radiography, hospital admission, and albuterol in the ED.
  • Patients with asthma or COPD and bed bugs had more ED visits compared to those without bed bugs.

Conclusions:

  • Bed bug infestation is not directly associated with increased asthma or COPD diagnoses.
  • However, findings suggest a potential link between bed bug exposure and respiratory distress, warranting further investigation.
  • Infested patients experienced greater healthcare utilization, including ED visits and hospital admissions.
Keywords:
Cimex lectulariusalbuterolasthmachronic obstructive pulmonary diseasewheezing, bronchospasm

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