Pet allergy

Description

Pet allergy is an allergic reaction to the proteins found in animals, skin cells, saliva or urine. Signs of pet allergy include those common to hay fever, such as sneezing and runny nose. Some people may also experience signs of asthma, such as wheezing and difficulty breathing.

Most often, pet allergy is triggered by exposure to the dead flakes of skin (dander) a pet sheds. Any animal with fur can be a source of pet allergy, but pet allergies are most commonly associated with cats and dogs.

If you have a pet allergy, the best strategy is to avoid or reduce exposure to animals as much as possible. Medications or other treatments may be necessary to relieve symptoms and control the asthma.

Symptoms

Pet allergy signs and symptoms caused by the inflammation of nasal passages include:

  • Sneezing
  • Runny nose
  • Itching, red or watery eyes
  • Nasal congestion
  • Itching in the nose, the roof of the mouth or throat
  • Postnasal drip
  • Cough
  • Facial pressure and pain
  • Frequent awakening
  • Swollen, blue-colored skin under your eyes
  • In a child, frequent upward rubbing of the nose

If your pet allergy contributes to asthma, you may also experience:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Chest tightness or pain
  • Audible whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling
  • Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing

The symptoms of the skin

Some people with pet allergy may also experience symptoms of the skin, a pattern known as allergic dermatitis. This type of dermatitis is a reaction of the immune system that causes inflammation of the skin. Direct contact with an allergy-causing pet can trigger allergic contact dermatitis, causing signs and symptoms, such as:

  • Raised, red spots on the skin (hives)
  • Eczema
  • Itchy skin

When to see a doctor

Some of the signs and symptoms of pet allergy, such as runny nose or sneezing, are similar to those of a common cold. Sometimes it is difficult to know if you have a cold or an allergy. If symptoms persist for more than two weeks, you may have an allergy.

If signs and symptoms are severe, with the nostrils, feeling completely blocked, and difficulty sleeping or wheezing — call your doctor. Seek emergency medical attention if wheezing or shortness of breath quickly gets worse, or if you experience shortness of breath with minimal activity.

Causes

Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to a foreign substance, such as pollen, mold or pet dander.

Your immune system produces proteins known as antibodies. These antibodies protect you from unwanted invaders that could make you sick or cause an infection. When you have allergies, the immune system produces antibodies that identify your particular allergen as something harmful, even though it is not.

When you breathe in an allergen or come into contact with it, their immune system responds and produces an inflammatory response of the nasal passages or lungs. Prolonged or regular exposure to allergens can cause ongoing (chronic) inflammation of the airways associated with asthma.

Cats and dogs

Allergens from cats and dogs that are in the cells of the skin of the animal shed (dander), as well as in their saliva, urine and sweat, and your skin. Dandruff is a particular problem because it is very small and can remain in the air for long periods of time with the least circulation of air. It also collects easily in upholstered furniture and sticks to the clothes.

The saliva of animals that you can adhere to the carpets, bedding, furniture and clothes. Dried Saliva can become in the air.

The so-called hypoallergenic cats and dogs can shed less hair than the shedding of types, but no breed is truly hypoallergenic.

Rodents and rabbits

Rodent pets include mice, gerbils, hamsters and guinea pigs. Allergens from rodents are usually present in hair, dander, saliva and urine. The dust from the litter or sawdust in the bottom of the cages can contribute to allergens in the air of the rodents.

Rabbit allergens are present in the dander, hair, and saliva.

Other pets

Pet allergy is rarely caused by animals that do not have skin, such as fish and reptiles.

Risk factors

Pet allergies are common. However, you are more likely to develop a pet allergy if allergies or asthma runs in your family.

Being exposed to pets at an early age can help prevent pet allergies. Some studies have found that children who live with a dog in the first year of life can have a better resistance to respiratory infections during childhood than children who do not have a dog of that age.

Complications

Sinus infections

Ongoing (chronic) inflammation of the tissues in the nasal passages caused by the pet allergy, you can obstruct the hollow cavities connected to your nasal passages (sinuses). These obstructions can make you more likely to develop bacterial infections of the sinuses, such as sinusitis.

Asthma

People with asthma and pet allergies often have difficulty in managing the symptoms of asthma. They may be at risk of asthma attacks that require immediate medical treatment or emergency care.

Prevention

If you don't have a pet, but is thinking of adopting or buying one, make sure that you do not have allergies to pets before you make the commitment.

Pet allergy

Diagnosis

Your doctor may suspect a pet allergy based on symptoms, an examination of your nose, and your answers to your questions. He or she may use a lighted instrument to look at the condition of the mucosa of the nose. If you have a pet allergy, the mucosa of the nasal passages can become swollen and appear pale or bluish color.

Allergy skin test

Your doctor may suggest an allergy skin test to determine what exactly you are allergic to. You may be referred to an allergy specialist (allergist) for this test.

In this test, small amounts of purified allergen extracts — including extracts with proteins of animal origin — is pricked on the surface of the skin. This is usually conducted in the forearm, but it can be done in the upper part of the back.

Your doctor or nurse observes your skin for signs of allergic reactions after 15 minutes. If you are allergic to cats, for example, you'll develop a red, itchy bump where the cat extract was pricked into your skin. The most common side effects of these skin tests are itching and redness. These side effects usually disappear within 30 minutes.

Blood test

In some cases, a skin test can't be performed due to the presence of a skin disease or due to interactions with certain other medications. As an alternative, your doctor may order a blood test that screens your blood specific allergy-causing antibodies to various common allergens, including various animals. This test can also indicate how sensitive to an allergen.

Treatment

The first line of treatment for the control of the pet allergy is to avoid the allergy-causing animals as much as possible. When you minimize your exposure to allergens of domestic animals in general, you should expect to have allergic reactions that are less often or less severe.

It is often difficult or impossible to completely eliminate the exposure to animal allergens. Even if you don't have a pet, you may unexpectedly encounter of pet allergens carried in other people's clothes.

In addition to avoiding the allergens of domestic animals, you may need medications to control the symptoms.

Allergy medications

Your doctor may tell you to take one of the following medications to improve the symptoms of nasal allergies:

  • Antihistaminesreduce the production of an immune system chemical that is active in an allergic reaction, and helps to relieve itching, sneezing and runny nose. Prescription antihistamines taken as a nasal spray include azelastine (Astelin, Astepro) and olopatadine (Patanase). Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine tablets include fexofenadine (Allegra Allergy), loratadine (Claritin, Alavert) and cetirizine (Zyrtec Allergy), over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine syrups are available for children. Prescription antihistamines tablets, such as levocetirizine (Xyzal) and desloratadine (Clarinex), are other options.
  • Corticosteroids are delivered as a nasal spray that can reduce inflammation and control symptoms of hay fever. These medications include fluticasone propionate (Flonase Allergy Relief), mometasone furoate (Nasonex), triamcinolone (Nasacort Allergy 24 HOURS), and ciclesonide (Omnaris). Nasal corticosteroids provide a low dose of the drug, and have a much lower risk of side effects than oral corticosteroids.
  • Decongestantscan help to reduce swelling of tissues in the nasal passages and make it easier to breathe through the nose. Some over-the-counter tablets for allergy combine an antihistamine with a decongestant. Oral decongestants may increase blood pressure and, in general, should not be taken if you have high blood pressure, glaucoma, or cardiovascular disease. Talk with your doctor about whether you can take a decongestant. Over-the-counter decongestants taken as a nasal spray may briefly reduce the symptoms of allergy. If you use a decongestant spray for more than three days in a row, you can contribute to the congestion.
  • The leukotrienes modifiersblock the action of certain immune system chemicals. Your doctor may prescribe montelukast (Singulair), a prescription for the tablet, if a nasal corticosteroid sprays or antihistamines are not good options for you. Possible side effects of montelukast include upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and fever. Less common side effects include behavioral or mood changes, such as anxiety or depression.

Antihistamines reduce the production of an immune system chemical that is active in an allergic reaction, and helps to relieve itching, sneezing and runny nose.

Prescription antihistamines taken as a nasal spray include azelastine (Astelin, Astepro) and olopatadine (Patanase). Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine tablets include fexofenadine (Allegra Allergy), loratadine (Claritin, Alavert) and cetirizine (Zyrtec Allergy), over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine syrups are available for children. Prescription antihistamines tablets, such as levocetirizine (Xyzal) and desloratadine (Clarinex), are other options.

Decongestants can help to reduce swelling of tissues in the nasal passages and make it easier to breathe through the nose. Some over-the-counter tablets for allergy combine an antihistamine with a decongestant.

Oral decongestants may increase blood pressure and, in general, should not be taken if you have high blood pressure, glaucoma, or cardiovascular disease. Talk with your doctor about whether you can take a decongestant.

Over-the-counter decongestants taken as a nasal spray may briefly reduce the symptoms of allergy. If you use a decongestant spray for more than three days in a row, you can contribute to the congestion.

Leukotriene modifiers block the action of certain immune system chemicals. Your doctor may prescribe montelukast (Singulair), a prescription for the tablet, if a nasal corticosteroid sprays or antihistamines are not good options for you.

Possible side effects of montelukast include upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and fever. Less common side effects include behavioral or mood changes, such as anxiety or depression.

Other treatments

  • Immunotherapy.You can "train" your immune system will not be sensitive to an allergen. Immunotherapy is delivered through a series of allergy shots. One to 2 weekly injections expose to very small doses of the allergen, in this case, the animal protein that causes an allergic reaction. The dose is gradually increased, usually for 4 to 6 months. Maintenance vaccines are needed every four weeks for 3 to 5 years. Immunotherapy is generally used when other simple treatments are not satisfactory.
  • The Nasal irrigation.You can use a neti pot or a specially designed squeeze the bottle to empty the thickened mucus and irritants from the nasal sinuses with a prepared salt water (saline solution) rinse. If you are preparing the saline solution itself, the use of water that is free of contaminants — distilled, sterile, previously boiled and cooled, or filtered using a filter that has an absolute pore size of 1 micron or less. Be sure to rinse the irrigation device after each use with contaminant-free water, and leave to air dry.

Immunotherapy. You can "train" your immune system will not be sensitive to an allergen. Immunotherapy is delivered through a series of allergy shots.

One to 2 weekly injections expose to very small doses of the allergen, in this case, the animal protein that causes an allergic reaction. The dose is gradually increased, usually for 4 to 6 months.

Maintenance vaccines are needed every four weeks for 3 to 5 years. Immunotherapy is generally used when other simple treatments are not satisfactory.

The Nasal irrigation. You can use a neti pot or a specially designed squeeze the bottle to empty the thickened mucus and irritants from the nasal sinuses with a prepared salt water (saline solution) rinse.

If you are preparing the saline solution itself, the use of water that is free of contaminants — distilled, sterile, previously boiled and cooled, or filtered using a filter that has an absolute pore size of 1 micron or less. Be sure to rinse the irrigation device after each use with contaminant-free water, and leave to air dry.

Self-care

Avoid exposure to pets is the best remedy for pet allergy. For many people that doesn't sound like a good option, because the members of the family are often very attached to their pets. Talk with your doctor about whether the reduction of the exposure to your pet, instead of finding a new home for your pet, it may be sufficient for the management of your pet's allergies.

If you find a new home for your pet

If you find a new home for your pet, your allergy symptoms will not disappear immediately. Even after a thorough cleaning, your home can have significant levels of allergens of domestic animals for several weeks or months. The following steps can help reduce pet allergen levels in a newly pets home:

  • Clean. Have someone without allergies to pets, clean the entire house, including a thorough washing of the walls and ceilings.
  • Replace or move upholstered furniture. Replace upholstered furniture, if it is possible, as the cleaning does not remove all of the allergens of domestic animals of the upholstery. Move the furniture of your bedroom in a different area of your home.
  • Replace carpets. If possible, replace carpeting, particularly in their bedroom.
  • Replace the bedding. Replace the sheets, blankets, and other bedding, because it is difficult to wash the pet allergens completely. Replace the pillows. If you can't change your mattress and the box spring, coat in allergen-blocking covers.
  • The use of high efficiency filters. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters of the air ducts can trap allergens in the air, and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum bags can reduce the amount of dander are removed by cleaning. HEPA air purifiers can also reduce the allergens of domestic animals.

If you keep your pet

If you keep your pet, you can help minimize allergens in your home with these tips:

  • Bathe your pet frequently. Ask a family member or friend without allergies to bathe your pet on a weekly basis.
  • Set up a pet-free zone. Make certain rooms in your home, including your bedroom, the pets of the areas to reduce the levels of allergens in the room.
  • Remove carpets and dandruff attraction of furniture. If possible, replace wall-to-wall carpeting with tile, wood, linoleum, or vinyl, that do not harbor allergens of domestic animals as easily. Consider the possibility of the substitution of other allergens attract the furnishings, such as upholstered furniture, curtains and blinds horizontal.
  • Ask for help. When the time comes to clean your pet's kennel, litter box or cage, ask a family member or friend who does not have allergies to animals to do the work.
  • The use of high efficiency filters. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) air purifiers and ventilation filters can help reduce the allergens of domestic animals.
  • Keep your pet outside. If your pet can live comfortably on the outside, you can reduce the amount of allergens in your home. This option is not suitable for many pets, or in certain climates.

Preparing for your appointment

If you are experiencing a runny nose, sneezing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, or other symptoms that may be related to an allergy, it is very likely start by seeing your family doctor. Because appointments can be brief, and because there is often a lot of ground to cover, it is a good idea to prepare for your appointment.

What you can do

  • Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to allergy-like symptoms.
  • Write the story of your family from allergy and asthma, including the specific types of allergies if you know of them.
  • Make a list of all medications, vitamins or supplements you are taking.
  • Ask if you should stop all medications, for example, antihistamines that could alter the results of an allergy skin test.

Prepare a list of questions will help you make the most of your time together. For symptoms that may be related to the pet allergy, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms and signs?
  • There are other possible causes?
  • What I'm going to need allergy tests?
  • Should I see an allergy specialist?
  • What is the best treatment?
  • I have other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions?
  • If I have a pet allergy, can I keep my pet?
  • What changes can I make at home to reduce the symptoms?
  • Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing?
  • Are there brochures or other printed material that I can take my house? What sites do you recommend to visit?

In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, do not hesitate to ask questions during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor may ask you a series of questions. Be ready to answer them may reserve time to go over any points you want to spend more time on. Your doctor may ask:

  • When did you first begin experiencing symptoms?
  • Is a worsening of symptoms at certain times of the day?
  • Are the symptoms worse in the bedroom or in other rooms in the house?
  • Do you have any pets, and do that go to the bedroom?
  • What kind of self-care techniques have been used, and have helped?
  • What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?

Problems if you have asthma

If you have been diagnosed with asthma and you are having difficulty in the management of the disease, your doctor may talk with you about the possibility of allergies. Although allergies are a major contributing factor to asthma, the influence of allergy, asthma is not always obvious.

The impact of a pollen allergy can be remarkable as seasonal allergies. For example, you may have more difficulty managing your asthma for a short time during the summer.

The pet allergy, on the other hand, it may be due to a pet that you're exposed to throughout the year. Even if you don't have a pet, you may be exposed to the allergens of domestic animals in other people's homes or that have been transported in the clothes of other people at work or in school. Therefore, you may not recognize the allergy as a factor that complicates your asthma may when, in reality, can be a primary cause.

What you can do in the meantime

If you suspect that you may have a pet allergy, take steps to reduce your exposure to your pets. Keep pets out of your bedroom and out of upholstered furniture, and wash your hands immediately after touching pets.

Symptoms and treatment of Pet allergies