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Allergy To Pet Dander

An allergy to pet dander can be disheartening to people who love animals and want to keep them indoors. There are some ways that can help minimize some of the symptoms associated with pet dander that may make it possible to keep animals indoors. Some of these include bathing animals weekly, using an air purifier, vacuuming carpets frequently, keeping animals off furniture, and taking antihistamines. Some of the symptoms associated with pet allergies are sneezing, runny nose, itching and watery eyes, coughing, wheezing, hives, and eczema. Pet allergy relief can be helped through immunotherapy by taking a series of injections to build up a tolerance of the allergen. People who are allergic to animals are usually sensitive to other substances such as dust mites, pollen, ragweed, perfume, cigarette smoke, mold, and some foods.



Common sense may help to identify substances so that a person can narrow down the possibilities of an allergy to pet dander. Seasonal reactions that show up the same time every year are more than likely caused by pollen. Symptoms that show up all year around are usually linked to dust mites and animals. The usual cause of a reaction to allergens is from microscopic organisms that enter the body through the nose. The immune system sees the organisms as foreign and produces histamine to get rid of them. Taking antihistamines will prevent the body from producing histamine and help to minimize symptoms.



Simple measures can be used in the home to minimize symptoms triggered by organisms. Keeping the windows closed and using an air purifier to keep microscopic organisms out of the air will help minimize seasonal triggers. Keeping animals out of the bedroom will provide pet allergy relief associated with animal dander and saliva. If keeping animals out of the bedroom is not realistic then at least keep the critters off of the bed. Petting an animal can transfer microscopic organisms to the person's hands so it makes sense to wash hands immediately afterwards to rid them of allergens.



Carpeting attracts dust mites, pet dander, cigarette smoke, and other microscopic organisms. People who have symptoms that are making them sick should consider pulling up the carpet and laying down tile or hardwood flooring instead. An allergy to pet dander and other substances will improve some by doing this one thing. Fortunately there are other things that can be done in the home to minimize symptoms. Some of these are, no smoking in the house, washing throw rugs frequently, cleaning frequently, replacing drapes and Venetian blinds with window shades, limiting items that have to be dusted frequently, and not using a fan in the house because it will stir up dust.



Some people think that allergies to animals are caused from fur or hair when in fact an allergy to pet dander is caused from the skin of the animal. Animals shed their skin just like humans, so dander is in fact dead skin cells. An animal's fur can be a cause for an allergic reaction if the animal goes outside. While outside the hair on animals can pick up substances such as pollen. There are two very important reasons to bathe animals frequently; to rid the animals of substances in the fur and wash away dead skin cells.



People who suffer from severe allergies can develop more pronounced symptoms such as difficulty breathing, vomiting, nausea, and swelling of the eyes and throat. When this happens the person should seek medical attention and consider other drastic measures such as keeping epinephrine (epi pen) close by and trying to find out exactly what is causing the symptoms. This can be accomplished by undergoing allergy testing and immunotherapy. If the severity of the reaction is caused from animals being in the house then either the pet goes outdoors or can be adopted out. Pet allergy relief may not be possible as long as the animal is inside. People who have animals usually love the little critters like they are part of the family. "Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name." (Genesis 2:19)



Treatment for allergies normally consists of taking antihistamines, and using nasal sprays that contain steroids. People who have symptoms year around will probably need to use the antihistamines and nasal spray every single day. Unfortunately having symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, difficulty breathing, and chest tightness may indicate a more serious condition such as asthma. Asthma is more common in children than in adults. A child who suffers from asthma may have many triggers that cause their symptoms. Children love animals and love to sleep with them. Pet allergy relief for a child with asthma may mean putting the animal outside to eliminate exposure.



Foods have also been known to cause symptoms in people who are sensitive. Some of the common ones are dairy products, wheat, eggs, shellfish, soy, peanuts, corn, and citrus fruits. One of the main symptoms associated with food allergies is the development of hives or eczema. Other reactions to foods can cause severe symptoms such as swelling of the throat and shock. Stomach problems can surface as well when a person ingests a substance that the immune system sees as an invader. The symptoms are usually nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The best way to treat food sensitivities is to avoid the offending substances altogether.

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