Living -- pages 18 - 23 To your Health ! - Pet Allergies -
Healthy
Living -- pages 18 - 23 To your Health ! - Pet Allergies -
Many of us experience allergy symptoms in the spring , but you can usually get relief by popping an over-the-counter medication , such as Claritin or Zyrtec . Allergies to pets , however , are a bit more complicated . Symptoms are similar to those of seasonal allergies ... runny nose , nasal congestion , itchy eyes , and sneezing . It ' s understandable that pet lovers don ' t want to give up their cats or dogs , so it ' s important to explore solutions and management options .
Contrary to popular belief , it ' s not the fur of a pet that often causes allergy symptoms , but the pet dander on the fur . It ' s also possible for pet saliva and urine to cause reactions . So what exactly is in these allergens that cause symptoms ? The answer is pet allergen components .
In the past , tests could only show whether someone was sensitized to a whole allergen . Advances in research , however , have produced convenient allergen blood tests that can help uncover if someone has a potential allergy to one or multiple allergen components . There are four cat and six dog allergen components that healthcare providers can test for , which helps them better understand your symptoms and how to manage them . Discovering which allergy component you ' re reactive to can determine the best types of allergy shots to use during immunotherapy .
Contrary to popular belief , hypoallergenic dogs aren ' t really allergen-free . Many of these types of dogs simply shed less , meaning that there is less animal dander to deal with . However , one of the dog-allergen components people react to is only produced in male dogs , meaning that if you are only allergic to that specific component you may be able to tolerate a female dog and have less allergic reactions . And cat lovers will be happy to learn that you can actually reduce one particular cat allergen by feeding a food that neutralizes one of the allergic components . Just by changing your cat ' s diet , you can reduce exposure and alleviate your symptoms .
In addition to getting tested for sensitization to pet allergens and their components , here are some tips to help you better manage allergic symptoms to your pets :
• Keep pets out of your bedroom to reduce allergen levels .
• Wipe down furniture or surfaces that your pet likes to sit or lounge on .
• Use air cleaners that contain HEPA filters , which help control airborne allergens from pet dander .
• Bathe your pet regularly to reduce dander in your home .
• Wash your hands after snuggling or playing fetch since allergens are in your pet ' s saliva and on their fur .
Owning a pet that you ' re allergic to is difficult , but there are new and better ways to manage and control your allergic symptoms . The first step is to get a convenient blood test for sensitization to pet allergens and components . Then talk to your healthcare provider about the findings and come up with a plan to reduce your allergies so you can continue to enjoy the company of your furry best friend !
William R . Forse , OD
Family Eye Care
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