7 Ways a Bed Bug Problem Can Affect Your Health

For many people, the thought of having bed bugs in their home is enough to make them want to move out. This makes sense. These creatures often take up residence where you sleep but can also be found anywhere in your home.

Not only is this gross, but it could lead to a number of health issues. That’s why having your home treated for bed bugs right away is so important.

While there’s no evidence that bed bugs transmit diseases to humans, they’re associated with other side-effects. Some of them can be quite serious.

Let’s go over seven health issues that can result from a bed bug problem in your home.   

1. Allergic Reactions 

Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to a bed bug bite. These reactions range from minor to severe depending on a person’s sensitivity.

In extreme cases, a person may have an anaphylactic reaction to a bite. This could result in anaphylactic shock, during which the immune system releases chemicals into the body, causing issues such as a quick drop in blood pressure, difficulty breathing, nausea, and vomiting. 

Anaphylactic shock is the most dangerous health issue associated with bed bugs. This condition can be life-threatening if not treated immediately. 

There’s also the possibility of an allergic skin reaction after a bed bug bite. This could lead to a rash that requires medical attention.  If you or someone in your family has a skin reaction after a bite, it’s important not to scratch it, as this will make the problem worse.

2. Trouble Sleeping

Getting enough rest is close to impossible when you know you have a bed bug infestation in your home. This can make life hard and lead to a wide range of health issues.

It’s true that bed bug bites aren’t very painful. However, they cause itchiness and irritation that can keep you up all night.

Aside from the physical frustration, knowing you have bed bugs is extremely nerve-wracking. The thought of these insects crawling on you while you sleep is enough to keep most people from dozing off.

Ongoing sleep deprivation can hurt your performance at work and make daily responsibilities more difficult than they should be. It can also lead to things like depression, anxiety, and memory loss.

3. Infection

While a bed bug is unlikely to transmit pathogens, you can still develop an infection if you continue to scratch a bite. That’s why seeking treatment right away is so important.

Scratching promotes the spread of germs. If you keep scratching, you’re more likely to aggravate the bite and allow these germs to infect your skin. This can lead to infections such as streptococcus.

Even if you make a conscious effort to avoid scratching while awake, there’s a chance you could unknowingly scratch bed bug bites while asleep. Make sure you use antibiotic ointment to prevent this.

If you have bed bug bites, it’s important to keep an eye on them while they heal. Don’t ignore one if it starts to get worse. See your doctor right away to prevent the spread of infection.

4. Mental and Emotional Strain

Dealing with a bed bug infestation is difficult. In addition to physical health risks, it can cause emotional hardships as well.

Sleep deprivation is enough to put a big strain on your mental well-being. Unfortunately, there are other ways bed bugs can turn your life upside down.

You’re certainly not going to have guests over if you have an infestation on your hands. Having to tell your children they can’t have their friends over can make things complicated.

If your children start getting bites, it can lead to feelings of guilt and anger. That’s why you need to turn to the professionals immediately.

You’ll also be frustrated when all your attempts to rid yourself of the insects fail. Bed bugs are extremely resilient.

5. Anemia

Although rare, bed bugs have been known to cause anemia. During this condition, a person’s red blood cells and hemoglobin count goes down. It’s caused by a lack of iron.

For a person to develop anemia as a result of bed bugs, they must sustain many bites. That’s why this is more likely to occur during serious infestations that go untreated.

Bed bugs consume blood when they bite. If the body isn’t able to replenish this lost blood, a person can develop anemia.

Senior citizens and young children are more susceptible to anemia. If you have an infestation and suspect a member of your family has developed it, you’ll need to look for symptoms. Some of the most common include yellow skin, fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest pain. 

6. Respiratory Problems

Once bed bugs make it into your home, they multiply quickly. Soon you could have a whole infestation on your hands. 

Bed bugs shed their skin. They also leave behind debris such as waste matter and eggs. All this material can end up in the air.

Once you have an air quality issue in your home, you run the risk of developing respiratory problems. This can include shortness of breath or allergic reactions. If someone in your home suffers from asthma, this can lead to a serious medical problem.

7. A Weakened Immune System

Your immune system helps ward off disease and keeps you healthy. A bed bug problem can damage you and your family’s immune systems in several ways.

Your immune system replenishes itself when you sleep. If bed bugs are keeping you up all night, you’re more susceptible to illness.

Other issues such as infection, allergic reactions, and stress can weaken your immune system in no time. If these problems are ongoing, you and your family’s health will start to suffer.

Don’t let bed bugs take over your life. Have professional bed bug removal performed and reclaim your home and well-being!

Get Rid of Your Bed Bug Problem Today

Don’t make the mistake of thinking bed bugs are only a nuisance. They have the potential of creating any of the health issues discussed above.

If you’ve noticed a bed bug problem developing in your home, it’s important to be proactive. The longer you wait to bring in the professionals, the harder it will be to get rid of them.

We provide effective bed bug removal in Idaho, Washington, Utah, and Oregon. Contact us today to learn more.

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