Cats are popular pets and a common allergen. Cat allergen can be detected in homes, schools, and workplaces where there has never been a cat. This is because the allergens accumulate in dust. The allergens come from dander, skin cells, fur, and saliva. Cat allergy is common and a quarter of the population may suffer from this allergy.
Symptoms of cat allergy begin to occur on the face and skin. Early symptoms can include eye itching and tearing, stuffy nose, rash, and can progress to cough, wheezing and difficulty breathing. Cat allergen can be airborne and can be inhaled. In highly sensitized individuals, severe allergic symptoms can occur within 15-30 minutes of exposure. In addition, cats carry dust, pollen, and other allergens in their fur, which can cause symptoms in those with sensitivity to these allergens.
If you suspect you may have a cat allergy, our board-certified allergist at Advanced Allergy & Asthma can help diagnose and treat your allergy. A careful medical history, skin tests, and/or blood tests may be used to diagnose cat allergy. Once a cat allergy is diagnosed, treatment can include a combination of medications (such as antihistamines and nasal sprays), and/or allergy injections. Allergy injections are a safe and effective treatment for cat allergies.
Dog allergy affects as much as 10 percent of the population. The allergens come from dander, saliva, and urine. Although the hair itself is not an allergen, the hair of furry animals can pick up dust, pollen, and other allergens. Dog dander can travel on clothing or reside in carpeting. Since one dog is present in almost 40% of US households, it is extremely important to recognize and treat dog allergy.
For individuals who are allergic to dog allergens, symptoms can involve the eyes, nose and respiratory tract. Pet dander can cause asthma patientsʼ symptoms to flare up or worsen. Dog allergen can be airborne and can be inhaled. In highly sensitive individuals, severe allergic symptoms can occur within 15-30 minutes of dog allergen exposure.
If you suspect you may have a dog allergy, our board-certified allergist at Advanced Allergy & Asthma can help diagnose and treat your allergy. A careful medical history, skin tests, and/or blood tests may be used to diagnose a dog allergy. Once a dog allergy is diagnosed, treatment can include a combination of medications (such as antihistamines and nasal sprays), and/or allergy injections. Allergy injections are a safe and effective treatment for dog allergies.
Caged animals are very common pets, particularly for younger children. Although cute and cuddly, they are a very common source of allergies. Additionally, the droppings of caged pets are a source of bacteria, dust, fungi, and mold. The cages of these pets should not be cleaned by allergic individuals.
Horse allergies affect nearly 4% of people with allergies. Horse dander is able to travel long distances in the air, and has been reported to be found hundreds of yards away from horse stables. In fact, certain people with dog and cat allergies may be at a higher risk for having horse allergies. This is due to an allergen inducing protein, which is cross reactive between horses, dogs, and cats. These patients may experience allergy symptoms with exposure to horses.
Symptoms of horse allergy include allergic rhinitis and asthma, and 50% of people with exposure to horse barns report respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Treatment for horse allergy can include a combination of medications (such as antihistamines and nasal sprays), and/or allergy injections. Allergy injections to horses has been shown to be safe and effective for the treatment of horse allergies.
At Advanced Allergy and Asthma, we strongly believe that you shouldn’t have to get rid of your pet. We would prefer to help you decrease your symptoms around pets so you can enjoy being around them! Schedule an appointment today so that we can help you get your allergies under control.
We’d love to meet with you to address your allergy concerns.
