PET ALLERGY

      Pets are man’s best friend, it is part of every man’s existence.  Most often the allergies are to cats or dogs, but rats, mice, guinea pigs, hamsters, pet birds, horses, cows or poultry can be involved.

    The proteins from the hair, saliva or urine of household pets cause an allergic reaction that attacks the eyes and the airways, like hay fever, and can result in asthmatic symptoms. It may also cause atopic dermatitis or a nettle rash.  It is often difficult to avoid the allergens that can come from other people's pets or be transported by people who have been in contact with animals. School classes can be overloaded with pet allergens.

When moving house or flat, the chances of the former owners having had a pet are high. It may take months, and in a modern insulated flat years, before the level of allergens are so low that an allergic reaction is not a possibility.

If pet allergies are suspected, the new house owner should try to stay away from home for a fortnight to see whether the symptoms disappear. A doctor or specialist could be asked to conduct an allergy test to confirm the diagnosis.

When touching the fur or feathers of pets; objects containing pet allergens; or breathing in pet allergens; the following reactions may result: hay fever, sneezing, watering eyes, coughing, wheezing, itchy skin disease and itchy reddish rash.

Preventions

If allergic symptoms is noticed, you should avoid things that provoke them and it is advisable to ensure that in your house: there are no pets, there are as few pieces of furniture as possible, the walls, wood and floors are as clean as possible, the floor should be polished, if necessary clean the walls, woodwork and floors regularly, only carpets that can be cleaned every week are used, only sheets that can be washed regularly, like cotton sheets, washable mattresses and synthetic blankets and pillows should be used. Do not use woolen or cotton blankets, only plastic or wooden chairs should be used . Do not have upholstered furniture, hang plastic curtains if possible. Dust them every day, use moist rags and a vacuum cleaner that has a vortex with no bag and an allergen filter to clean the house thoroughly, at least twice a week, avoid objects that attract dust like teddy bears, pillows, dried flowers, bric-a-brac and toys. Furthermore, if these certain household preventions cannot overcome those symptoms,there are other allergy control and relief products that could help.

Medications

Antihistamine tablets or syrup (eg loratadine, cetirizine, chlorphenamine). These lessen the allergic reaction by blocking the actions of histamine. They relieve hayfever type symptoms.

Nasal sprays or drops containing sodium cromoglicate, corticosteroids (eg beclometasone) or antihistamines (eg levocabastine) can be used to reduce nasal inflammation and control symptoms in the nose.

Eye drops containing sodium cromoglicate, nedocromil, or antihistamines (eg azelastine) reduce eye inflammation and can be used if eye symptoms are a particular problem.

If the allergy causes asthmatic symptoms, some of the asthma medication below may be used:

Relievers (bronchodilators): these are quick-acting medicines that relax the muscles of the airways. They are used when required to relieve shortness of breath.

Preventers (anti-inflammatories): these act over a longer time and work by reducing the inflammation within the airways. They should be used regularly for maximum benefit. When the dosage and type of preventive medicine is correct, there will be little need for reliever medicines.