What are allergic reactions to animals?
Household pets may not only give pleasure but may also cause allergic reactions to human, like eye tearing, increase nasal secretion, asthma, urticaria, atopic dermatitis. This is done because of such allergens like hair, saliva or urine proteins. The most common is allergic reaction to cats or dogs because they lick themselves more and may be held more and spend more time in the house, close to humans. However, there are also found allergies caused by rats, mice, guinea pigs, chicks, horses or cows.
Why do we are allergic to animals?
Animal allergens are the proteins, which cause allergic reactions because of the contact with skin or after inhalation. Histamine, which is released, causes swellings, watery eyes, hay fever or other symptoms of asthma. Doctors say that most of allergies are hereditary. If the animal is suspected to cause allergic reaction, doctor should perform arthroscopy allergy test to confirm the diagnosis.
What are the most common signs of allergies to animals?
After a contact with animal (his fur, feathers or other things that have animal allergens) these symptoms appear in most cases:
• Hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis), characterized by sneezing and stuffy nose;
• itchy or watery eyes;
• asthma (wheezing and cough);
• Children’s eczema;
• hives (itchy red rash).
If you experience any symptoms of the allergy, you should avoid those factors that cause it. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid:
• Animals;
• Try to have a minimum of furniture;
• Clean the walls and floors as much as possible. Wooden floor must be polished. • Use only the bed, which can be washed regularly and avoid wool or cotton mats;
• Use only plastic or wooden chairs.
• Avoid using fabric curtains (use blinds);
• Clean house regularly.