Main symptoms of pet dander allergy
Allergy to pets is an allergic reaction to proteins contained in the cells of the epidermis, saliva or urine of animals. The main symptoms of pet dander allergy are sneezing and runny nose. In some cases, this may manifest as difficulty breathing and an attack of bronchial asthma. Allergies can be caused not only by cats and dogs - leaders in this matter, but also by parrots, guinea pigs, rabbits and hamsters. If you are interested in the question of whether you may be allergic to a certain cat, make an appointment at our medical center.
Risk factors:
- the presence of gastrointestinal diseases in a person;
- tendency to allergic reactions;
- heredity;
- work related to animals.
Treatment of an allergy to cats in an adult is prescribed only after a thorough examination and collection of anamnesis.
Clinical manifestations of the disease
An allergic reaction can develop at any age, but children suffer from it much more often.
Symptoms from the respiratory system:
- difficult breathing with whistling;
- shortness of breath;
- chest pain, suffocation;
- cough, wheezing;
- nasal congestion, sneezing.
It is possible to conduct an analysis to find out whether there is an allergy to cats in a special laboratory.
"Ocular" manifestations: redness of the eyes, swelling, increased lacrimation, itching, blurred (blurred) perception of the image.
"Skin" symptoms:
- swelling;
- itching and peeling;
- redness of the skin;
- soreness.
Systemic disorders include: tachycardia, decrease in blood pressure, nausea, pale skin, dizziness, loss of consciousness.
On our website Dobrobut.com, you can make an appointment with a doctor who will tell you what to do if you are allergic to cat hair. In addition, the clinic can undergo diagnostics, including special tests.
How cat allergy manifests itself in children
Allergic manifestations to cats in most cases occur in babies in the form of:
- difficulty breathing;
- dry cough;
- swelling and redness of the skin;
- watering and redness of the eyes;
- nasal congestion.
When these symptoms occur, parents need to make an appointment with a pediatrician, who will diagnose and provide treatment.
Important: in most cases, the manifestation of signs of allergy to pets in babies is diagnosed in families in which one of the parents already suffers from any type of allergy.
Manifestation of signs of allergy to pets in infants
Due to unformed immunity, allergy to animals in babies manifests itself immediately after contact with the allergen. The main symptoms of this type of allergy include: swelling of the subcutaneous tissue, redness of the skin, itching, nasal congestion or increased discharge from the nose, sneezing, dry cough, conjunctivitis. In addition, the baby may experience general malaise, fever, and diarrhea. Parents should urgently seek medical help when such symptoms are detected, as this condition is quite dangerous for the baby.
Diagnostics
After a thorough examination of the patient and collection of anamnesis, the doctor in most cases will prescribe additional research methods, namely: blood test, urinalysis, blood biochemistry, immunogram and special skin tests.
How the skin test is performed. A small amount of purified extracts of various allergens is applied to the skin in the forearm area. At the place of application of the solution, a puncture is made with a needle or a notch with a scarifier. The test results are evaluated after 15 minutes. The most frequent side effects of the test include itching and redness of the skin, which disappear on their own within an hour.
About how to determine a dog allergy in a child and what parents should do before the doctors arrive, we will talk further.
Treatment
For the treatment of an allergic condition, doctors use the following drugs:
- antihistamines;
- enterosorbents;
- corticosteroids;
- decongestants.
Antihistamines: Tavegil, Claritin, Diphenhydramine.
Corticosteroids are especially effective for allergic manifestations, however, they are dangerous. Medicines have a number of side effects and can only be prescribed by a specialist who will explain how cat allergy manifests itself in children and how to help a child at home.
Prevention
Of course, the best solution is to completely eliminate the allergen. But if you are not ready to part with your pet, the following measures will help minimize contact with the offending protein:
- daily wet cleaning;
- daily ventilation of the room, especially before going to bed;
- washing hands after contact with an animal;
- use of an air purifier;
- do not allow an animal into the allergy sufferer's room.
If you still have questions, make an appointment. During a personal conversation, the doctor will answer your questions and tell you whether there are cats that do not cause allergies. Registration is made by phone and online.
Related services:
Pediatric Allergology
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