What is allergic to pets?
The proteins of hair, saliva or urine of household pets can cause an allergic reaction that attacks the eyes and airways in the form of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, and can lead to asthma symptoms. They can also cause atopic dermatitis or urticaria.
Avoiding these allergens is often difficult as they may come from other people’s pets or be transported by people who have been in contact with them. College classes can be saturated with pet allergens.
Allergies to animals are common to cats or dogs, but can also occur in rats, mice, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds, horses, cattle or poultry.The allergic reaction is triggered by allergens that bind to white blood cells in the body. This binding releases certain substances, histamine, causing typical symptoms of an allergic reaction, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, asthma, urticaria.Why are we allergic to pets?
Animal allergens are proteins that, when inhaled, or skin contact, produce an allergic reaction that causes the body to produce harmful substances such as histamine. The histamine causes swelling and irritation of the upper airways and causes typical symptoms of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma. The tendency for allergic reactions is often inherited.
People who have had asthmatic bronchitis in children in a household with pets, especially cats, are at high risk of developing allergies to animals over time.
Pets are very important in modern life. When moving house or flat, there are many chances that the previous owner has had a pet. It may take months or, in the case of modern well-insulated floors, years before the allergen level is low enough so that there is no possibility of an allergic reaction.
If it is suspected allergy to pets, the new homeowner should try to stay out of the house for a fortnight to see if symptoms disappear. You can request a study of allergy to test a allergy specialist to confirm the diagnosis.
What are the signs of allergy to pets?
When touching the fur or feathers of animals, objects containing animal allergens or breathing pet allergens can cause allergic reactions as follows:
- Allergic rhinitis: sneezing, runny or stuffy nose
- Eye symptoms such as itchy or watery eyes
- Asthma, coughing and whistling (children with asthma)
- Eczema in children: skin disease with itching and red spots
- Urticaria: a rash of rashes and hives.
What can worsen the symptoms?
- Air pollution, smoke snuff and car fumes can trigger asthma.
- Any other allergen in the environment (such as house dust mites or pollen).
How does the doctor make the diagnosis?
It may be enough to know when and where were the patient’s symptoms. The diagnosis can be confirmed by skin tests or blood tests.
credit to: Dr. Flemming Andersen, Dr. Paul Klenerman, Dr. Brian Lipworth