Pet allergies

Reviewed by Dr Paul Klenerman, specialist and Professor Brian Lipworth, professor of allergies and respiratory medicine

What is a pet allergy?

The proteins from the hair, saliva or urine of household pets cause an allergic reaction that attacks the eyes and the airways, like hay fever, and can result in asthmatic symptoms. It may also cause atopic dermatitis or a nettle rash.

It is often difficult to avoid the allergens that can come from other people's pets or be transported by people who have been in contact with animals. School classes can be overloaded with pet allergens.

Most often the allergies are to cats or dogs, but rats, mice, guinea pigs, hamsters, pet birds, horses, cows or poultry can be involved.

Why are we allergic to pets?

Pet allergens are proteins, which when in contact with the skin or breathed in, cause an allergic reaction that provokes the body into producing histamine.

The histamine produces swelling and irritation of the upper airways and causes typical hay fever and asthmatic symptoms. The tendency toward allergic reactions is often hereditary.

People who have had asthmatic bronchitis as children in a household with pets, especially a cat, are at a high risk of developing allergies towards cats as they get older.

Pets are very important in modern life. When moving house or flat, the chances of the former owners having had a pet are high. It may take months, and in a modern insulated flat years, before the level of allergens are so low that an allergic reaction is not a possibility.

If pet allergies are suspected, the new house owner should try to stay away from home for a fortnight to see whether the symptoms disappear. A doctor or specialist could be asked to conduct an allergy test to confirm the diagnosis.

What are the signs of pet allergy?

When touching the fur or feathers of pets; objects containing pet allergens; or breathing in pet allergens; the following reactions may result:

hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis). Sneezing and a running or blocked nose.

eye symptoms such as itching and watering eyes.

asthma. Coughing and wheezing. (Children with asthma).

children's eczema. Itchy skin disease with red patches.

nettle rash. An itchy reddish rash.

What makes the symptoms worse?

Polluted air, tobacco smoke and car fumes may precipitate asthma.

Any other allergens in the environment (eg pollens).

How does the doctor make the diagnosis?

Often it is enough for the doctor to know when and where the patient got their symptoms. Skin tests and blood samples can confirm the diagnosis.

What should I do?

If you have allergic symptoms, you should avoid things that provoke them and it is advisable to ensure that in your house:

there are no pets.

there are as few pieces of furniture as possible.

the walls, wood and floors are as clean as possible. The floor should be polished. If necessary clean the walls, woodwork and floors regularly.

only carpets that can be cleaned every week are used.

only sheets that can be washed regularly, like cotton sheets, washable mattresses and synthetic blankets and pillows should be used. Do not use woolen or cotton blankets.

only plastic or wooden chairs should be used . Do not have upholstered furniture.

hang plastic curtains if possible. Dust them every day.

use moist rags and a vacuum cleaner that has a vortex with no bag and an allergen filter to clean the house thoroughly, at least twice a week.

avoid objects that attract dust like teddy bears, pillows, dried flowers, bric-a-brac and toys.

What else can I do?

Do not touch objects that are very dusty, such as books and old clothes.

If you are exposed to allergy provoking elements you should wear a mask. Even better, make people without allergies do the cleaning!

Do not allow smoking in your house.

Go To Next Page>>



The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use



© Copyright 1998 - 2004 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved