How to Minimize Your Pet Allergies
Dogs and cats can cause a chronic condition called pet allergies in people that are allergic to them.
Sharing our homes and sometimes even our beds, pets are listed as a common cause of irritation, inflammation and other related problems to people who are allergic to pets.
For someone who is planning to have a house pet or for people who already own a pet, learning about the facts concerning pet allergies is a must.
Causes
Your body naturally produces antibodies to fight the onslaught of common pathogens. Pet allergies happen when the body’s immune system sees animal fur, hair or saliva as a potential risk to your health. In mistakenly identifying these forms of protein as a health risk, the body produces inflammatory responses in the nasal passages and in the lungs.
Virtually all pet allergens are proteins by nature. When they come in contact with the skin or breathed in, it causes the body to produce histamine, which results to swelling and irritation of the upper airways, hay fever symptoms and asthmatic symptoms.
Once pet allergies are suspected, it is important to immediately seek diagnosis, medication and treatment to prevent developing the complications associated with pet allergies.
Signs and Symptoms
The nasal inflammation caused by pet allergies often leads to sneezing, runny nose, itchy and red eyes, postnasal drip, and irritation on the nose, roof of the mouth and throat.
Once the condition worsens and leads to asthma, sufferers may experience breathing difficulties, chest tightness and pain, audible whistling and wheezing sound, sleeping problems and chronic cough. Other symptoms may be manifested on the skin, causing raised red patches and itchiness. Thankfully, the attack of pet allergies can be controlled with the right preventive measures, treatment and medication.
What to Do
If you suspect that you …