Overview
Pet allergy is an allergic reaction to proteins found in an animal's skin cells, saliva, or urine. It triggers symptoms similar to hay fever, such as sneezing and a runny nose. Some people may also experience signs of asthma, like wheezing and difficulty breathing. Pet allergies are commonly associated with cats and dogs, but any animal with fur can cause an allergic reaction. The best strategy to manage pet allergy is to avoid or reduce exposure to the animal as much as possible. Medications or other treatments may be necessary to relieve symptoms and manage asthma.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
Pet allergy symptoms include:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy, red or watery eyes
- Nasal congestion
- Itchy nose, roof of mouth, or throat
- Postnasal drip
- Cough
- Facial pressure and pain
- Swollen, blue-colored skin under the eyes
- In a child, frequent upward rubbing of the nose These symptoms are caused by the inflammation of nasal passages and can be similar to those of a common cold. If symptoms persist for more than two weeks or are severe, you may have a pet allergy.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for developing pet allergy include:
- Family history of allergies or asthma
- Being exposed to pets at an early age
- Having a predisposition to allergies or asthma.
Development
Pet allergies develop when the immune system reacts to proteins found in an animal's skin cells, saliva, or urine. The immune system produces antibodies that identify these allergens as harmful, even though they are not. The reaction causes inflammation in the nasal passages, leading to symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and congestion. Pet allergies are most commonly associated with cats and dogs, but any animal with fur can cause an allergic reaction. Allergens from pets are found in their skin cells (dander), saliva, urine, and sweat, and can become airborne or settle on surfaces such as furniture and clothing. The best strategy for managing pet allergies is to avoid or reduce exposure to the animal as much as possible. Medications or other treatments may also be necessary to relieve symptoms.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Triage
If you suspect a pet allergy and experience persistent symptoms for more than two weeks, it's advisable to consult a doctor. Additionally, if your symptoms are severe, such as nasal passages feeling completely blocked or difficulty sleeping or wheezing, you should seek medical attention. In case of worsening wheezing or shortness of breath, you should seek emergency care.
Diagnosis
A doctor may suspect a pet allergy based on symptoms, an examination of your nose, and your answers to their questions. They may use a lighted instrument to look at the condition of the lining of your nose, which may be swollen or appear pale or bluish if you have a pet allergy. To determine exactly what you're allergic to, your doctor may suggest an allergy skin test or a blood test. During the skin test, tiny amounts of purified allergen extracts, including extracts with animal proteins, are pricked into your skin's surface, and your doctor observes your skin for signs of allergic reactions after 15 minutes. If you're allergic to a specific animal, you'll develop a red, itchy bump where the allergen was pricked. The most common side effects of these skin tests are itching and redness, which usually go away within 30 minutes. If a skin test can't be performed, your doctor may order a blood test that screens your blood for specific allergy-causing antibodies to various common allergens, including various animals.
Management and Treatment
Complications
Pet allergy can lead to several complications, particularly in individuals with asthma. Some potential complications include:
- Asthma: Pet allergy can exacerbate asthma symptoms, making it difficult to breathe and potentially leading to an asthma attack.
- Sinus infections: Ongoing inflammation in the nasal passages due to pet allergy can obstruct the sinuses, making a person more susceptible to bacterial infections such as sinusitis. It is essential to manage pet allergy symptoms and seek medical attention if they worsen or become difficult to control.
Home Remedies
It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for proper treatment and management of pet allergies. Avoiding or reducing exposure to the allergen is the most effective way to manage pet allergies. If you have asthma as well, it's important to work with your doctor to manage your asthma symptoms.
Treatment
Treatments for pet allergy include medications and avoiding or reducing exposure to the animal. Some medications that can help relieve symptoms include antihistamines, decongestants, and corticosteroids. If you have asthma in addition to a pet allergy, your doctor may prescribe an inhaler to help manage your asthma symptoms. The best way to treat a pet allergy is to avoid or reduce exposure to the animal as much as possible. Keep pets out of the bedroom and use air purifiers to reduce the amount of pet dander in the air. Regular cleaning and vacuuming can also help reduce the amount of pet dander in your home.
Preparing for medical consultation
To prepare for an appointment for pet allergy, you should:
- Write down your family's history of allergy and asthma, including specific types of allergies if you know them.
- Make a list of all medications, vitamins or supplements you're taking, as some may need to be adjusted or stopped before allergy tests.
- Prepare a list of questions to ask your doctor, such as:
- What is the most likely cause of my signs and symptoms?
- Are there any other possible causes?
- Will I need any allergy tests?
- Should I see an allergy specialist?
- What is the best treatment?
- How can I best manage other health conditions with my pet allergy?
- If I have a pet allergy, can I keep my pet?
- What changes can I make at home to reduce my symptoms?
- Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing?
- Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take home with me?
- What websites do you recommend visiting?
- Be ready to answer your doctor's questions about your symptoms, such as when they started, if they're worse at certain times, and if you have pets or other triggers that worsen your symptoms. Remember to mention any self-care techniques you have tried and if they have been helpful. Also, mention if anything appears to worsen your symptoms. It's important to be open and honest with your doctor about your symptoms and concerns so they can provide the best guidance and treatment for your pet allergy.