What are the dangers of cat allergies

Good choices are cats with thick, curly hair as well as cats with no hair at all. Allergic reactions are not caused by the following breeds: If you already know that you are allergic to these animals, you need to pay very close attention to the choice of breed. It is best to take one of the hypoallergenic representatives. This will help avoid unwanted consequences.

The 11 most common allergies

Different types of allergic reactions are observed in almost half of the inhabitants of metropolitan areas, in rural areas the situation is better. However, doctors say that there are actually more allergic people than is reflected in the official statistics. This is due to the fact that in some people the reactions are very weak and do not give them much discomfort. In this article, we will tell you what people around the world are most likely to be allergic to.

According to various data, from 30 to 60% of people are allergic to plant pollen. Both children and adults are susceptible to this disease. Experts call hereditary predisposition the main cause of pollen allergy. Pollen is considered the most dangerous for allergy sufferers. A strong reaction may also result from blooming of birch, alder, weeds and sage.

Food products

This type of allergy is considered the second most common. One of the most well-known allergens is milk, which causes most reactions in children under 3 years old, although eggs, nuts and chocolate are also frequent allergens. Seafood can also cause rash, itching, nausea, the most dangerous from this point of view are considered oysters, crabs, lobster, caviar. In some sensitive people, a handful of peanuts can cause Quincke's edema or anaphylactic shock.

Animal hair, saliva, urine, and dander can be a source of serious problems for allergy sufferers. In the case of cats and dogs, the main danger is protein, which is found in microscopic particles of the skin and excretions of the animal. In some cases, regular cleaning and the use of air purifiers helps to get along with the furry, but sometimes this is not enough, and the person cannot be in the same room as the pet.

Cat allergy: who is to blame for the disease?

Allergy to cats – this is quite an uncommon phenomenon. It is good when a person is aware of this and does not get furry pets. But what should do those who learned about the disease only when they have already got this purring creature in the house? How to live in the same territory as a pet, when it literally hurts to even look at him?

• Difficulty breathing, coughing and wheezing;
• The appearance of a skin rash (similar to hives);
• allergic conjunctivitis (eye irritation and redness); tearfulness;
• Reddened skin and itching;
• runny nose and sometimes stuffy sinuses;
• sneezing.

Respiratory signs of allergy manifest themselves in different ways. One patient may stay in a room with a cat for quite a long time and only then start coughing. Another may not be able to breathe normally as soon as the cat comes into his sight. And some even react to the owner of the pet if there is cat saliva or hair on it.

To begin with, it is necessary to understand – on what exactly the components of the tissues of pets in humans are allergic? Many people believe that the symptoms of allergies are provoked by the hair of cats. However, this is not entirely true. The cause of the disease is a specific type of protein that is produced in the body of our favorite fluffy pets. And during washing, this protein together with saliva gets on the coat. That is why it seems that it is their fur that causes cat allergies.

I would like to point out that there is no breed of cat that does not cause allergies. Even sphynxes, which have virtually no fur, can become the culprit of such a nuisance as cat allergy, because they also spread protein, which is an allergen. However, each animal's body produces a different amount of protein. Therefore, it is possible that a person can have a strong allergy to one cat and its complete absence to another.

Manifestations of reactions: runny nose or coughing fits

The most common manifestations of allergies to animals are respiratory manifestations. These include severe nasal congestion and runny nose when inhaling circulating airborne allergens. In addition, frequent sneezing, burning and itching in the nose may be observed against the background of runny nose and heavy nasal flow. These manifestations may be combined with burning and itching in the eyes, reddening of the proteinous membrane and lacrimation, the appearance of a skin rash (dermatitis). The runny nose lasts without stopping or easing as a result of standard therapeutic measures (nasal lavage and vasoconstrictor drops), it only goes away after taking antihistamines.

In addition to the runny nose, manifestations may be in the form of attacks of suffocation with an agonizing cough without sputum. The cough may be accompanied by itching and scratchy throat and discomfort in the chest. The cough is usually dry, without sputum, and intrusive, intensifying with close contact with the animal. As the manifestations increase, the cough becomes increasingly distressing, joined by shortness of breath and malaise.

Rarer reactions: dermatitis or Quincke's edema

In some cases of severe sensitization, the allergy to pets can manifest itself as Quincke's edema or anaphylactic shock. Such cases are rare, but they cannot be completely ruled out. More common are various dermatitis resulting from contact with the animal or its feces, food or feed residues, and particles of toilet litter. Dermatitis usually manifests as reddening of the skin, itching and burning, blisters or blisters. With immediate reactions, dermatitis develops within minutes of contact, while with delayed reactions, skin manifestations occur hours or days later and take longer to develop.

Because of the possibility of worsening reactions as the pathology progresses, those people who are prone to bronchial asthma, pollinosis or other reactions, doctors do not recommend pets in the home. This is explained by the fact that the presence of allergic predisposition increases sensitivity to all foreign proteins, including those in pets. And the development of this type of allergy can complicate and aggravate existing allergic diseases.

Allergy to animals

Allergy to animals is very common. Animal allergens are some of the most common allergens. Both domestic and farm animals are their source. Most people think that animal hair is the allergen. But that's not entirely true: animals themselves don't produce allergens – it's just that their fur is a kind of "container" for them.

So how can you avoid animal allergies? The best solution to the problem is to avoid the source of the allergens, and in the first place is to avoid keeping pets. Unfortunately, sometimes this is not enough for a full recovery, because animal allergens are still found on furniture, bedspreads, curtains, carpets, etc., and are easily airborne and on other people's clothing. This explains the fact that people who are sensitive to animal allergens can experience acute allergy symptoms if they are not exposed to them directly, but indirectly. The only adequate measure in this case is to carry out thorough repeated cleanings. But if you are people who suffer from animal allergies and can not imagine life without a four-legged friend, then in the first place should take care of the hygiene of the home.

Here are a few rules that, no doubt, will help you if not to get rid of animal allergies, then at least reduce its manifestations:

• Allocate a corner of the house, or better yet, a room in which pets are not allowed to enter;
• Vacuum as often as possible;
• Fight actively against fleas;
• Use air cleaners;
• comb and bathe the animals more often.

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What doctor to contact?

In order to start treatment at the right time it is necessary to visit clinic. There you must make an appointment with Allergist-immunologist. It is he who identifies the disease, and gives advice on treatment and prevention when a cat allergy occurs. He also prescribes the therapy. There is a children's doctor as well as an adult one.

Moscow, like any other city, offers the opportunity to effectively get rid of allergy symptoms.

How to get rid of cat allergies?

After all the tests have been taken and the disease has been confirmed, it is necessary to reflect and accept for yourself a few meaningful conclusions. All treatment procedures are under the supervision of the attending physician and are aimed at improving the overall condition of the patient. And also the elimination of symptoms, and preventive measures are applied.

Many people wonder how to get rid of cat allergies for good. Here the answer is simple. There is no way. It is impossible to get rid of the disease completely. The main way to get rid of allergies is to eliminate contact between the patient and the animal. If the pet is very important to the allergy sufferer, allergy medications will be prescribed, and the patient will have to take them throughout the life of the pet.

But using pills won't end it all. The allergy sufferer will have to keep a close eye on his apartment and clean it regularly with powerful vacuums. This is necessary in order to remove cat hair from the carpet, sofa and other furniture.

If a person is not ready for such a way of life, but also life without an animal he can not imagine, then here, too, you can find a solution. There are breeds of cats that do not cause allergies and are considered hypoallergenic. For example, the Scotsman. One of them can have an allergic person with low sensitivity to protein, as these breeds also excrete it, but not in such large quantities.

Cats with fluffy and thick coats are not recommended. These animals will shed very often and the hair will be spread all over the house. It is also best to remove carpets if you do decide to have a kitten. Carpets are very good at accumulating hair, and this will have a negative effect on the patient.

The symptoms of cat allergies in children and adults are very similar to a number of other allergic reactions. Therefore, do not rush to give your pet away, because the cause may not be it:

• The reaction may not cause the pet, and its accessories: food, shampoo, litter
• Pets that walk outside can bring plant pollen or mold particles on their coats, which are strong allergens
• A cat may infect its owner with an infection (shingles, scabies mite) that causes symptoms similar to those of allergies

Therefore, you should not engage in self-diagnosis, and it is better to see a doctor. He will prescribe diagnosis (skin tests or blood tests), which will accurately determine the cause of the allergic reaction.

How is diagnosis made?

There are two ways to determine allergies – by blood tests and by skin tests. Skin tests can be either superficial: applying the allergen to scratched skin, or injected: injecting it under the patient's skin. All procedures are performed under the supervision of an allergologist to monitor the patient's condition.

The reaction on the skin usually appears about 30 minutes after the start of the test. Blood tests are used when the patient's age or state of health does not allow for skin tests. This allows you to minimize the risks. The blood test is done over several days.

Why a cat allergy occurs

An allergic reaction is a response of the human immune system to an external irritant. In the case of an allergy to a pet, such an irritant is not the cat itself, but the proteins it secretes. They are contained in the saliva, urine, gland secretions, dander, skin particles. And wherever the pet is, it leaves its "biological trace".

Alien protein appears on carpets, upholstered furniture, on the floor, in the bed. But most of all, of course, on the hair of the cat. It's worth stroking or hugging a pet, and allergens are transferred to the skin, mucous membranes.

The immune system perceives particles of foreign protein as a pathogen and begins to fight it. Children and people with allergies have an imperfect immune system, so the reaction can be excessive, too pronounced. Characteristic symptoms develop, which can last for a very long time. As long as the body is in contact with the irritant, the allergic reaction cannot disappear.

"There are no cat breeds that are safe for an allergic person," clarifies Anna Kapustina. – All warm-blooded animals can cause allergies, not only fluffy cats, but even 'naked' sphinxes."

Symptoms are similar to an allergic reaction to any other irritant. Nasal itching, sneezing and coughing, a feeling of swelling in the nasopharynx may be observed. The mucous membrane of the eyes reacts to the allergen, the eyelids may swell and redden, the eyes may itch and tear. With skin reactions, there are itchy rashes, urticaria.

Allergic reactions in children are often more severe than in adults. A prolonged course has a negative effect on the respiratory system and can lead to serious complications. Over time, the cough becomes an attack, with a characteristic whistling sound, and the attacks end with airway spasm and inability to breathe deeply. Allergies in a child should not be ignored, as they can provoke the development of bronchial asthma.

The psychosomatics of cat allergies are not different from those of other allergens. Household dust and plant pollen that a pet brings from the street on its fur can cause similar reactions. Allergens can be found in cat food, hair care products and even toilet litter. Therefore, identifying the true cause of the reaction is extremely difficult.

What to do if you have a cat allergy

If you are just planning to get a pet, it is advisable to examine all family members for tendency to allergic reactions. A cat allergy test is worth taking for both children and adults, even those who are not prone to allergies and have never suffered from such reactions. According to Anna Kapustina, allergist and immunologist, it is necessary to contact a specialist, who will select the best method of examination for child and adult.

If the pet has already appeared in the house and caused allergic reactions in any member of the family, the specialists recommend seeing a doctor as quickly as possible in order to prevent the development of complications. It is important to understand that the cat allergy does not go away, it is a specific reaction of the body, which can be dealt with only by limiting contact with the allergen and undergoing a course of medical therapy.

Treatment of cat allergies includes taking various antihistamines. With profuse flow from the nose, nasal congestion, specialists usually prescribe sprays with anti-inflammatory action, containing corticosteroids. When rashes on the skin doctor may recommend ointments with anti-inflammatory, anti-edema effect, and respiratory system disorders – inhalation, relieving respiratory spasm and making breathing easier.

Important! The treatment tactics should be selected by your doctor. Use anti-allergenic medications on their own, and even more so for the treatment of a child is unacceptable. In addition, it is important to understand that therapy will only be effective if contact with the allergen is excluded. When the irritant remains in the immediate vicinity of the allergy sufferer, allergy symptoms will only worsen.

Rhinitis and food allergies

AR can be a consequence of food allergies. In one study, it was shown to develop in 35% of children with the condition. Among the major food allergens that provoke AR, scientists name peanuts, milk, shrimp, and eggs. In Russia, the leading food allergens also include citrus fruits, chocolate, tomatoes, and strawberries. This emphasizes the need for allergy testing to choose an allergen avoidance strategy.

But most cases of food-related allergic rhinitis result from cross-allergies. An example would be apple allergy in people with hypersensitivity to birch pollen. Such a phenomenon develops when the allergens have structural similarity to each other at the molecular level.

What else?

Home allergen control measures that are not mentioned above, but are recommended by domestic allergists (source):

• remove carpets from the apartment;
• do not keep stuffed toys in the house;
• don't keep things under the bed;
• don't have houseplants;
• keep clothes and books in closed bookcases;
• Limit the amount of upholstered furniture;
• Curtains should not be draped and should be washed once every three months;
• the wall covering should be washable.

Knowing "your allergens," their sources and how to deal with them will help you feel good at any time of year and in any home.

Infant cat allergy

Cat allergy in an infant is complicated by the fact that a small child can not say that he has a fart in the throat or difficult to breathe. Only careful observation by parents and immediate contact with a pediatrician will be able to identify the main symptoms of the disease, determine the causes of their occurrence and make the correct diagnosis.

Cat allergy in newborns can manifest itself without direct contact with the animal, just a cat walking somewhere nearby and spreading together with the hair its aggressive protein, and the child breathes this air.

Cat allergy in the infant: symptoms

But even the baby's anxiety should make the mother go to the clinic and take blood tests, also undergo all the diagnostic measures that the doctor will advise. Do not delay in going to the doctor. Only he will determine why your baby is crying, sneezing and coughing – it's either a common cold or an allergy to your pet.

Cat allergies: treatment

Can cat allergies be treated? Yes, the important condition is to see a doctor in time. And the main condition for effective treatment is the isolation of the person from the allergen, that is, the elimination of those trace elements that are allergenic to the body.

It is the main task of the doctor to find out which component gives allergic reaction, and then he excludes this component from contact with the patient. Treatment complexes are developed individually, but may include both medications and physical therapy and folk remedies.

When prescribing to children, the doctor takes into account the danger of drugs to the body of the newborn, so hormonal ointments or pills with antibiotics are prescribed to babies very rarely – in cases where other treatment is not effective.

Cat allergy and its treatment is a long process with strict observance of all the doctor's recommendations. But the main and first condition is the isolation of the patient from the allergen.

Home test for cat allergy

Before treating a cat allergy, it is worth testing yourself and your child.

The allergy test allows you to identify the main allergen. But what if it's not at all pet hair, and shampoo or food? Then you should not take the cat out of the house, but the main allergens. The test will also answer a number of other questions:

Home test for cat allergies can be that you call a specialist at home, which takes the appropriate samples:

The doctor will gather a medical history and conduct the tests – according to his methodology. Today – there is a huge variety of them, for example, methods in vitro – without the participation of the patient or in vivo – with the participation of the patient.

Do cat allergies pass? The answer is yes, it is important that the treatment of cat allergies begins with professional diagnostics and identification of the main allergen.

If you or your children have any health problems contact Allergomed Clinic. Our specialists quickly and painlessly diagnose, identify the allergen and successfully relieve patients from this dangerous and complicated disease, both adults and very young children.