🔅 Pet Allergies/Allergens, their Effects on Humans, and Hygiene Recommendations.
– Pet allergies are allergic reactions to proteins found in the skin, saliva, urine or dander (dead skin flakes) of animals, especially cats and dogs. These proteins can cause inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, coughing, wheezing and hives. Some people may also develop asthma or eczema due to pet allergies. Pet allergies can vary in severity and frequency, depending on the level of exposure and the sensitivity of the person.
– Pet allergens can be spread by direct contact with the animal or by inhaling the airborne particles that are shed by the animal or attached to its hair or fur. Pet allergens can also be carried on clothing, furniture and other surfaces, and can remain in the environment for a long time, even after the animal is gone. Some people may experience symptoms only when they are near a pet, while others may have symptoms even if they do not own a pet or visit a place where pets live.
– The diagnosis of pet allergy is based on the medical history, physical examination and allergy tests. Allergy tests may include skin prick tests, blood tests or challenge tests to confirm the specific animal that causes the allergic reaction.
– The treatment of pet allergy aims to control the symptoms, prevent asthma attacks and reduce the risk of complications. The treatment may include medications such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, decongestants or immunotherapy (allergy shots or tablets). The treatment plan is individualized according to the type and severity of the allergy.
• The best way to prevent or reduce pet allergy symptoms is to avoid or minimize exposure to the animal or its allergens.
Some of the hygiene recommendations for people with pet allergies are.
• Keep pets out of the bedroom and other areas where you spend a lot of time.
• Bathe and groom pets regularly (by someone who is not allergic) to reduce dander and hair shedding.
• Use air purifiers, filters or humidifiers to remove allergens from the air.
• Vacuum and dust frequently to remove allergens from the surfaces.
• Wash bedding, curtains and clothing often in hot water to remove allergens from the fabrics.
• Replace carpet with hard flooring and washable rugs to reduce allergen accumulation.
• Avoid touching or being licked by pets and wash hands after contact.
• Consult with a doctor before taking any new medication or starting immunotherapy.
What are some common symptoms of pet allergies?
– Some common symptoms of pet allergies are
• Sneezing.
• Runny nose.
• Itchy, red or watery eyes.
• Nasal congestion.
• Itchy nose, roof of 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.
– These symptoms are caused by inflammation of the nasal passages due to an allergic reaction to proteins found in the skin, saliva, urine or dander of animals, especially cats and dogs. Some people may also experience symptoms of asthma, such as wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. In rare cases, some people may have a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which can cause difficulty breathing, swelling in the throat, dizziness, fainting and shock.
▶️ Can pets trigger asthma symptoms?
Yes, pets can trigger asthma symptoms for some people who are allergic to them. Pets can produce a protein in their dander (dead skin flakes), saliva and urine that can cause an allergic reaction in some people. This protein can also stick to pet hair, fur, feathers and bedding, and become airborne when the pet moves or shakes.
• When a person with pet allergy inhales this protein, their immune system reacts by releasing chemicals that cause inflammation and narrowing of the airways. This can lead to asthma symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath.
– These symptoms can vary in severity and frequency, depending on the level of exposure and the sensitivity of the person.
Some people may experience symptoms only when they are in close contact with a pet, while others may have symptoms even if the pet is not present or has been removed from the home. This is because pet allergens can linger in the air, in clothes and in furniture for a long time, even after the pet is gone. Some people may also have more severe symptoms during an asthma attack, which is a sudden or gradual increase in the severity of the symptoms that requires immediate medical attention.
– If you have pet allergies and suffer from asthma, there are some steps you can take to reduce your exposure to this trigger and manage your symptoms better.
– Some of these steps include:
• Getting tested for pet allergies to confirm the diagnosis and identify the specific animals that you are allergic to.
• Avoiding close contact with pets that you are allergic to, such as not touching, hugging or kissing them.
• Keeping pets out of your bedroom and other areas where you spend a lot of time, such as your living room or office.
• Keeping pets outside or in a separate area of the house as much as possible, and providing them with adequate shelter, food and water.
• Washing or brushing your pets often to remove dander and hair, preferably by someone who is not allergic to them.
• Using air purifiers, filters or humidifiers to minimize dander and dust in the air.
• Vacuuming carpet and damp mopping floors regularly to remove pet allergens from the surfaces.
• Washing bedding, curtains and clothing frequently in hot water to remove pet allergens from the fabrics.
• Replacing carpet with hard flooring and machine washable rugs to reduce the accumulation of pet allergens.
• Talking to your doctor about options for medication or immunotherapy to treat your allergy and asthma symptoms. Medication may include antihistamines, corticosteroids, nasal sprays or inhalers. Immunotherapy may include allergy shots or tablets that contain small amounts of allergens that can desensitize your immune system over time.
