Showing posts with label Pet Allergy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pet Allergy. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Prevention Of Pet Allergy

If you are not an animal but are considering adopting or buying one, make sure you do not have allergies to animals before making the commitment. Spend as much time as possible time to a shelter pet or with a friend first.

Treatment Of Pet Allergy

The first line of treatment to check for allergies is to avoid PET pet allergens as much as possible. When you reduce your exposure to pet allergens, you should expect to have allergic reactions, which are less frequent and less severe. But it is often difficult or impossible to completely eliminate your exposure to pet allergens. Even if you do not have a pet, you may experience unexpected pet allergens are carried on the clothing of others.

Also, to avoid pet allergens, you may need medications to control symptoms.

Allergy Medications

The doctor may ask to take one of the following medications to improve symptoms of nasal allergy:

Antihistamines reduce the production of a chemical in the immune system, which is active in an allergic reaction. These drugs relieve itching, sneezing and runny nose. Prescription antihistamine tablets include fexofenadine (Allegra) and desloratadine (Clarinex). Azelastine (Astelin, Astepro) and olopatadine (Patana) are antihistamines taken as a nasal spray. Counter antihistamines (Claritin, Zyrtec, etc.) and antihistamine syrup for children are also available.

Corticosteroids, given as nasal spray may reduce symptoms of inflammation and control hay fever. These medications include fluticasone (Flonase), mometasone furoate (Nasonex), triamcinolone (Nasacort) and ciclesonide (Omnaris). Nasal corticosteroids provide a low dose of medication and have a much lower risk of side effects compared with oral corticosteroids.

Decongestants can help reduce swollen tissues in your nose and make it easier to breathe through the nose. Some allergy pills over-the-counter antihistamine combined with a decongestant. Oral decongestants can raise blood pressure and should not be taken if you have high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease. In men with enlarged prostate, the substance can worsen the condition. Talk to your doctor if you can safely take a decongestant.

Over-the-counter nasal decongestants may take a little 'to reduce allergic symptoms. If you use a decongestant spray more than three days in a row, can contribute to congestion.

Cromolyn sodium prevents the release of a chemical in the immune system and can reduce symptoms. You must use this spray over-the-counter nasal several times a day, and it is more effective when used before the signs and symptoms occur. Cromolyn sodium has no serious side effects.

Leukotrienes block the action of certain chemicals in the immune system. Your doctor may prescribe this prescription tablets, montelukast (Singulair), if you can not tolerate corticosteroid nasal sprays or antihistamine nasal spray. Possible side effects include headaches. Less common side effects are abdominal pain, cough, dental pain and dizziness.

Other treatments

Immunotherapy, a series of allergy shots, can "educate" the immune system may not be sensitive to allergens. One or two shots a week are exposed to very low doses of allergen, in this case, the animal protein that causes an allergic reaction. The dose is gradually increased, usually between three and six months. Maintenance shots are needed every 3-4 weeks to five years. Immunotherapy is usually used when other treatments are not satisfactory simple.

The nasal wash is the use of salt water (saline) to clean the nostrils. Your doctor may suggest a saline rinse to reduce congestion, sneezing and runny nose. You can buy over the counter nasal saline spray or cleaning kits with devices such as syringes, vials, to provide a rinse solution. You can make your own solution of 1 / 8 c. teaspoon (5 ml) of table salt in 8 ounces (237 milliliters) of distilled or purified water. Mix ingredients together and store the solution at room temperature, and the remix another batch after a week. Wash your face every day.

Symptoms Of Pet Allergy

Pet allergy symptoms caused by inflammation of the nasal passages are:

Sneezing

Runny nose

Itchy, watery or red eyes

Nasal congestion

Itchy nose, palate and throat

Postnasal

Cough

Facial pressure and pain

Frequent awakenings

Swollen, blue-colored skin under the eyes

In children, frequent upward rubbing the nose

If your animal allergies contribute to asthma, you may also enjoy:

Difficulty breathing

Chest tightness or pain

Audible whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling

Sleep disturbances caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing

Skin symptoms

Some people with allergies animals may also experience skin symptoms. Allergic dermatitis is an immune system reaction that causes inflammation of the skin. Direct contact with pet allergens can trigger allergic dermatitis symptoms may include:

Swollen, red patches on the skin (hives)

Itchy skin

When to see a doctor

Some signs and symptoms of allergies animal, like a runny nose or sneezing, which corresponds to the common cold. Sometimes it is difficult to know if you have a cold or allergies. If symptoms persist for more than a week, maybe you have an allergy.

If signs and symptoms are severe - such as severe nasal congestion, sleep disturbances or wheezing - call your doctor. Receive emergency care if wheezing or shortness of breath gets worse quickly or shortness of breath with minimal activity.

Causes Of Pet Allergy

Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance such as pollen, bee venom or animal dander.

Your immune system produces proteins called antibodies. These antibodies protect against unwanted invaders that can make you sick or cause infection. When you have allergies, your immune system produces antibodies that identify your particular allergen as something harmful, even if it is not. When you breathe in the allergen, or come into contact with it, your immune system overreacts and produces an inflammatory reaction in your nose or lungs. Prolonged exposure to the allergen or regularly can cause ongoing (chronic) inflammation associated with asthma.

Cats and dogs

Cat and dog allergens are found in the skin cells shed animal (dander), saliva and hair. Scales is a particular problem because it is very small and can remain airborne for long periods of time with minimal air movement. It also includes upholstered furniture and easily attaches to clothing.

Animal saliva can stick to carpets, bedding, furniture and clothing. Dried saliva can become airborne.

A hypoallergenic dog named skins can take less than a shedding dog but no dog breed is truly hypoallergenic.

Rodents and rabbits

Rodents include mice, gerbils, hamsters and guinea Guinea. Allergens of rodents is normally present in hair, dander, saliva and urine. Dust bedding or sawdust in the bottom cages can contribute to airborne allergens by rodents.

Rabbit allergens are present in dander, hair and saliva.

Other animals

Pet allergy is rarely caused by hairless animals such as fish and reptiles.

Pet Allergy Overview

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

Pet allergy is the most common caused by exposure to dead skin flakes (dander) an animal shelter. Any animal hair can be a source of pet allergies, but allergies to animals are most commonly associated with cats, dogs, rodents and horses.

If you have a pet allergy, the best strategy is to avoid or reduce exposure to the animal as much as possible. Or other drug treatments may be needed to relieve symptoms and manage asthma.