What exactly is the reaction to?
The main allergens of cats are proteins that are produced in the saliva and sebaceous glands of the skin; By licking, the animal distributes them throughout the fur, from where they enter the air along with particles of dandruff. In dogs, the main allergens are found in dander, saliva and urine, and their composition varies more between breeds than in cats. The particles are very small, so they remain in the air for a long time and are easily transferred to clothing. This is why hairless and short-haired breeds do not solve the problem: protein is produced regardless of the length of the coat.
- Allergens are found in saliva, dandruff and urine
- Wool only transfers particles
- Allergens stay in the air for a long time
- Settles on clothes, furniture, carpets
- There are no hypoallergenic breeds
How it manifests itself
Most often it is allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis: repeated sneezing, watery nasal discharge, congestion, itching in the nose and eyes, lacrimation. Symptoms appear minutes after exposure and can last for hours. When animal saliva comes into contact with the skin, redness, blistering and itching may occur. People with a predisposition to asthma experience coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing. When living with an animal permanently, complaints become year-round and the person stops associating them with the pet.
- Sneezing and watery runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Itching and redness of the eyes, watery eyes
- Cough and wheezing
- Hives at the site of contact
- Exacerbation of atopic dermatitis
Diagnostics
The diagnosis begins with a detailed conversation: when complaints appear, are they related to visits to friends with animals, does it become easier on vacation. It is confirmed by skin prick tests performed by an allergist, or a blood test for specific IgE to the epithelium of cats and dogs. A blood test is useful when antihistamines cannot be stopped or there are widespread rashes. In case of cough and shortness of breath, the function of external respiration is additionally assessed so as not to miss bronchial asthma.
- Skin prick tests with an allergist
- Specific IgE to the epithelium of cats and dogs
- Total IgE
- Examination by an ENT doctor and rhinoscopy
- Spirometry for cough and shortness of breath
- Diary of symptoms and contacts
How to reduce contact with an allergen
The most effective step is not to keep the animal at home, but in practice families rarely do this, so it is important to reduce the concentration of the allergen. The animal is not allowed into the bedroom or onto the bed; it is regularly washed and combed, preferably by a person without allergies. Remove carpets and heavy curtains where particles accumulate, carry out wet cleaning more often and use a vacuum cleaner with a fine filter. Regular ventilation and an air purifier in the bedroom help. Even after the pet leaves, allergens remain in the house for several months.
- Keep your pet out of the bedroom
- Wash and comb your pet regularly
- Remove carpets and heavy textiles
- Wet cleaning and vacuum cleaner with HEPA filter
- Air purifier in the bedroom
- Wash hands and change clothing after contact
Treatment
To relieve symptoms, second-generation antihistamines, nasal hormonal sprays for persistent congestion, and eye drops for conjunctivitis are used. For bronchial asthma, basic inhalation therapy is selected. The only method that affects the allergy itself is allergen-specific immunotherapy: long-term administration of increasing doses of the allergen under the supervision of a physician, which reduces sensitivity. The allergist makes the decision. Independent long-term use of vasoconstrictor nasal drops is unacceptable: it leads to persistent congestion.
- Second generation antihistamines
- Nasal hormonal sprays
- Antiallergic eye drops
- Basic therapy for asthma
- Allergen-specific immunotherapy
- Do not use vasoconstrictor drops for more than a few days