Pet Allergy
Pet allergy is an immune system reaction to proteins found in animal skin cells, saliva, and urine. It is these substances, rather than the fur itself, that trigger the body's allergic response.
Why Pet Allergy Occurs
Most commonly, allergies develop toward cats and dogs, but they can also occur upon contact with other animals – parrots, rabbits, hamsters, or guinea pigs.
This is a fairly common problem, occurring in approximately 10-20% of people. It can significantly impact quality of life, especially if a person is forced to limit contact with animals or give up the desire to have a pet.
- The cause of allergy development is the body’s contact with allergenic proteins secreted by animals. These can accumulate in the air, on furniture, clothing, and other surfaces, remaining active for a long time.
- The immune system perceives these proteins as a threat and triggers a protective reaction, leading to symptoms. Even brief contact or being in a room where an animal is present can cause an allergic reaction. The risk is higher for people with a genetic predisposition to allergies or the presence of other allergic diseases.
Symptoms of Allergy
Symptoms of pet allergy are largely similar to other allergic reactions and can appear either immediately after contact or after some time.
Most often, these include:
Symptoms
Nasal congestion and frequent sneezing
Itchy and red eyes, watery eyes
Skin rashes and irritation
Cough, shortness of breath, wheezing
In some cases, symptoms may appear even without direct contact with the animal – simply being in a room where it has been is enough.
If ignored, the allergy can lead to the development or worsening of bronchial asthma.
Pet Allergy and Its Characteristics
- Pet allergy has specific features that distinguish it from other types of allergies. It can significantly restrict a person’s daily life – from the inability to keep a pet to difficulties in visiting friends or relatives who have animals.
- It is also important that allergens can be carried on clothing and remain in rooms even without the constant presence of an animal, making it difficult to avoid contact. Without proper control, the allergy can turn into chronic conditions and affect overall health.
How to Know It Is a Pet Allergy
To establish a diagnosis, a doctor analyzes the symptoms, their connection to contact with animals, and the conditions under which they arise.
Taking a medical history plays a key role – whether there is contact with animals, how often symptoms appear, and whether there are other allergic diseases.
If symptoms appear after contact with animals or being in a room where they are present, this may indicate an allergy specifically to pets.
Diagnosis
After the consultation, the doctor may prescribe additional examinations to confirm the diagnosis.
These include:
✔ blood test;
✔ immunological studies;
✔ skin allergy tests (prick tests).
During a prick test, a small amount of the allergen is applied to the skin, and the result is evaluated after just 15 minutes.
Accurate diagnosis allows for the identification of the cause of the allergy and the selection of effective treatment.
Treatment of Pet Allergy
- Treatment is aimed at reducing symptoms and controlling the body’s reaction.
- The main methods of symptomatic treatment are antihistamines and corticosteroids.
- Antihistamines help reduce itching, sneezing, and other manifestations, while corticosteroids reduce inflammation and the intensity of the allergic reaction.
- Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) is also used – a method where the body is gradually desensitized to the allergen, allowing for a significant reduction in symptoms and, over time, their complete elimination.
- Treatment is always selected individually and requires medical supervision.
Prevention
To reduce allergy manifestations, it is important to minimize contact with the allergen.
Key recommendations:
❀ perform regular cleaning and ventilate rooms;
❀ use air purifiers with HEPA filters;
❀ restrict animal access to the bedroom;
❀ maintain personal hygiene after contact with the animal;
❀ animal hygiene.
One can also consider alternative ways of interacting with animals or choosing breeds that are less likely to cause allergic reactions.
Pet allergy is not a verdict. Thanks to modern treatment methods and a proper approach to prevention, it is possible to significantly reduce symptoms and improve quality of life without giving up things that are important to you.
Allergist doctors at AirDOC who specialize in the treatment of allergy to pets
The specialists of the clinic specialize in the treatment of allergy to pets, conduct research, attend international conferences, practices and training, in order to bring modern and effective methods of allergy treatment to Ukraine.
Prices
For any clarifications you can contact our contact center
Allergist
Consultation
Comprehensive consultation by a specialist of the highest category
1 500 uah
Comprehensive consultation of a leading specialist, candidate of medical sciences
1 700 uah
Comprehensive consultation of an expert, doctor of medical sciences, professor
2 400 uah
Allergological consultation (with the participation of a professor / leading specialist / specialist)
3 900 uah
Consultation before ASIT
600 uah
Online consultation
Comprehensive consultation with a doctor of the highest category
1 500 uah
Comprehensive consultation of a leading specialist, candidate of medical sciences
1 700 uah
Comprehensive consultation of an expert, doctor of medical sciences, professor
2 4000 uah
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