Despite being allergic to pets & pets allergens 5 strategies for prevention, millions of Americans live with them. Allergies to furry animals, most commonly cats and dogs, can cause sneezing and red, itchy eyes. Pet allergies can also make asthma more difficult to manage.
You may believe that animal allergies are caused by fur, but fur is simply a carrier for allergens. Pet dander, the source of allergens, is made up of tiny, even microscopic, proteins derived from skin flecks shed by pets.
- Cat allergens can be found in cat saliva, which adheres to the fur when cats lick themselves. They are also secreted in the urine of male cats and shed as dander by glands in the skin. Because allergens are buoyant, they can easily remain airborne.
- Dog allergens can be found in dander, saliva, urine, and blood. Although allergen levels vary by breed,
Pets Allergens 5 Strategies For Prevention
You can get tested if you suspect you or a loved one is allergic to a pets.
There are numerous options for reducing exposure to pet allergens, and the following may be beneficial:
- Cover mattresses and pillows in allergen-proof fabric.
- Remove or replace carpets • Vacuum regularly but use a cleaner with a HEPA filter (high-efficiency particulate air, which is a type of mechanical air filter) or a double-layered micro filter bag when the person with allergies is not present.
- Use a portable air cleaner with a HEPA filter in the allergic person’s bedroom; avoid certain ionic air cleaners that can generate harmful ozone; keep pets off furniture and out of cars; bathe dogs at least twice a week for maximum effectiveness; and wash your hands and clothes after playing with your pet to remove pet allergens.
- Avoid coming into contact with soiled litter;
- Dust frequently with a damp cloth
Allergens from pets in the home – According to researchers, more than 55% of households have a dog, cat, or both. Dog and cat allergens were found in almost all U.S. homes, even those without pets, according to nationwide studies.
Endotoxins and Animals (Pets) – Most researchers concluded that people who have more contact with house-dust endotoxins, which are particles formed when bacteria die and disintegrate, may wheeze more. These people are more likely to be younger, have a lower family income, be Hispanic, have dogs, cats, or smokers in the house, and have cockroaches and carpeted floors. Another study found that pet allergens and endotoxins in the home could aggravate wheezing and asthma.
Age and allergens – The effects of allergens on children may vary depending on their age. Researchers funded by the NIEHS discovered that inner-city children who were exposed to specific allergens and bacteria before the age of five were less likely to develop struggling to breathe and allergy symptoms later in life. This finding implies that such early-life exposure may aid in the development of a body’s defense against wheezing and allergic diseases.
FAQ
What are pet allergies?
Ans: Pet allergies are allergic reactions to proteins known as allergens. These allergens can be found on animal fur and skin, as well as in urine and saliva. Allergens are produced by the majority of animal companions, including cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents, and birds. Not everyone is allergic to pets. Some people are allergic only to certain animals.
Can a pet allergy cause asthma?
Ans: If your pet allergy contributes to your asthma, you may also have: difficulty sleeping due to shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing Some people who are allergic to pets may also develop skin symptoms, a condition known as allergic dermatitis. This dermatitis is caused by an immune system reaction that causes skin inflammation.
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