Looking for Pet Allergy Treatments
When the possibility of having a pet allergy emerges, action needs to be taken to receive pet allergy treatment. First it is necessary to determine if your allergies are pet related. Then treatment for pet allergies should be sought. There are incidences where allergies can be treated with over the counter medications. If this does not work pet allergy treatment should be sought from your physician.
A pet allergy is caused by how your immune system reacts to animal proteins. This will cause inflammation of the lining of the nose. Sneezing, wheezing, post nasal drip will begin. This can possibly be followed by sneezing, coughing and shortness of breath. It could possibly also cause symptoms of asthma.
All of these symptoms require treatment of pet allergy. Although the symptoms may be treated, at some point there are some other steps need to be taken. Look for the following related symptoms.
Symptoms requiring pet allergy treatment.
- Nasal congestion
- cough
- pressure in your face accompanied by some pain
- post nasal drip
- red, itchy or watery eyes
- difficulty sleeping
- children may have frequent rubbing of their nose
Symptoms of asthma may also be present.
- Wheezing
- coughing
- difficulty breathing
- chest pain or tightness
Skin symptoms
- hives
- itchy skin
A physician should be consulted if what appear to be cold symptoms last longer than a week. It is occasionally difficult to distinguish a common cold from allergy symptoms. If you have severe symptoms of respiratory issues or if they become increasingly worse, emergency treatment for pet allergy should be sought. This also applies if your skin develops hives.
Normally your body generates certain antibodies to protect against viruses, toxic substance or bacteria. If you have an allergy to pets, the body looks at this like an invasion of something that can be potentially harmful. These allergens are protein substances from the animals saliva, urine or skin cells. Once these antibodies are formed they will come to action with an inflammatory response in your lungs or nose. Prolonged contact with these allergens can cause chronic lung inflammation usually associated with asthma.
Allergies from dogs and cats are most common among household pets. These reactions are caused by the dander. This the is accumulation of skin cells your dog or cat sheds. It can also be caused by urine or the hair of the pet itself. Dander remains airborne for some time, so should be controlled as much as possible. Saliva can be stuck to upholstered furniture, clothing, carpeting, or anything else that is even slightly porous.
Installing HEPA filters in your heating system or room air purifiers may help in the treatment of pet allergy. Room filters may also be helpful.
There are some dogs that are not considered allergenic. These are usually dogs or cats with less hair that may not shed. However, your allergic reaction may still occur with the so-called hypo-allergenic pet as well.
Rodent pets can also cause allergic reactions. Litter or dust from the litter can become airborne.
Pet allergies are rarely caused by animals that are hairless such as birds, fish or reptiles.
Chronic inflammation of the nose can eventually lead to sinusitis which is an infection in the sinus cavities.
Asthmatics may need immediate medical attention to receive the pet allergy treatment. If attacks become severe a trip to the emergency room may be in order.
Keep some type of record of times these symptoms occur, your physician will be able to gauge your allergy and prescribe treatment. Provide the following information.
Take a list of your medications.
Document when the symptoms first occurred.
What have you used for these symptoms and just how effective were they?
Does anything worsen your symptoms?
Solutions to your problems may be resolved simply by having pet free rooms or removing carpeting in your home. You may have to have a friend do your cage cleaning or bathe your dog or cat once each week. If these steps do not improve the state of your allergy, further pet allergy treatments may be in order.
Allergy tests may be performed by an allergist. Your pet allergy treatment may then require medication, allergy shots or potentially having to remove the pet from your home completely. If your pet can survive outdoors, it could be the answer. Just be sure to wash your hands or any part of you that they may touch.
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