Cat allergy

Living with cat allergies raises many questions. Can you get a hypoallergenic cat and enjoy your pet without suffering from symptoms? Here are some answers to help you learn more about cat allergies, causes and treatments.

Causes

Approximately 10% of the U.S. population suffers from pet allergies, with cat allergies being the most common. It is twice as common as dog allergies. But the cause is not fur, as you may think, but proteins that saliva, urine, and dead cells contain.

So how can a minor protein cause such a violent reaction? The fact is that people with allergies have very sensitive immune systems. Their bodies recognise harmful substances, such as wool, as bacteria or viruses. Allergy symptoms are an adverse reaction that occurs when the body fights allergens.

Don't forget that even if you aren't allergic to cats, your cat can trigger it. He can bring pollen, mould and other allergens in from the outdoors.

What about the so-called "hypoallergenic" cats?

Although some breeds of cat, such as the Sphynx, are thought to be less likely to cause symptoms, any cat has the potential to cause allergies. This is independent of breed, coat length and how much the cat sheds. Therefore, if you or your family members are allergic to cats, getting a cat is a bad idea, regardless of its breed.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• Coughing and wheezing
• Urticaria or rash on the chest and face
• Redness and irritation of the eyes
• Redness of the skin at the site of a scratch, bite, or cat saliva contact
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing

Symptoms can appear in a few minutes or a few hours. Approximately 20-30% of people with allergic asthma experience an exacerbation of symptoms after contact with a cat.

How to identify cat allergies

Although the symptoms of cat allergy are obvious, it is not always caused by the cat. It is necessary to get a doctor's confirmation. As a result, you won't be unfairly blaming your mustachioed friend.

The doctor may suggest that you have a blood test to determine the allergy. The doctor may also suggest that you live without a cat for a few months and monitor your symptoms.

Cat allergy treatment

Standard medications that are used in the treatment of allergies can be used in the treatment of cat allergies. Your doctor may suggest:

• Antihistamines, which block the action of the chemicals that cause symptoms. They can be over-the-counter, like Claritin or Benadryl, or prescription, like Alegra or Zyrtec. Some antihistamines come in spray form, such as Astelin.
• Аntiedemic medications that reduce swelling and prevent mucus stasis, including Sudafed, which is over-the-counter, and Allgra-D, which is prescription.
• Other medications that manage allergy or asthma symptoms in various ways. Steroids that are prescription - Flonase or Nazonex sprays - are traditionally used in the treatment of allergies.

One option may be a course of anti-allergy injections. These are not always effective and treatment can take years. This method is not safe for children under the age of five. But sometimes these injections can significantly improve the condition. Talk to your doctor about the possibility of using this method.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to prevent the development of allergies. Some studies have shown that contact with allergens at an early age can reduce the risk of developing allergies in adulthood. On the other hand, the condition of an allergy-prone child may worsen after exposure to allergens.

We remind you that in OLYMP branches of laboratories you can at any time undergo allergodiagnostics (more than 400 allergens), including allergens of cats and other pets.