Being allergic to cats can be seriously extremely nerve racking to a lover of cats. Wheezing, watery eyes, runny nose, sinus headache, hives, and other symptoms can be very mild and a pain or severe and threatening to ones life. In reality, if the symptoms are extreme and the reason is tested and it is found to be cats, locating the cat a new home could turn out to be the best resolution. However if the symptoms are mild, there is cause for hope. There are processes to at least minimize the pain of cat allergies and live with a cat, and immunotherapy offers desensitization from an allergen.
There are various symptoms of allergies can take on many forms. Many common nasal symptoms which can include itching, sneezing and congestion. Eye symptoms can include redness, itching, swelling and watering. Throat symptoms include post-nasal drip, itching or hoarseness and the need to clear the throat often. Skin symptoms can involve an itchy rash or hives. Ear symptoms can include itching, plugging or popping in the ear. More serious symptoms involve the lungs. Symptoms with the lungs can include hacking, wheezing, tightness in the chest, frequent bronchitis and inability to catch their breath.
Cat allergen, the allergy causing material from cats, is not cat hair, but rather a protein present in the cat dander and saliva. These allergens become airborne as microscopic particles, which when inhaled into the nose or lungs can produce allergic symptoms.
The main reason why folks can acquire a new pet and not develop any of these allergies until much later is due to the amount of time required to produce these antibodies. It can take from three weeks to three years for the body to build up sufficient amounts of the exact antibody so that an allergen can cross-link two identical antigens. This cross-linkage is the signal to mast cells to spill their contents, resulting in typical allergy symptoms.
An allergy desensitization regimen is the obvious and very effective way to get around a cat allergy. Immunotherapy will gradually make a person more and more resistant to the allergens. The goal of immunotherapy is to increase the tolerance ten-fold. This is one of the most effective treatments as it treats the root cause and doesn't just mask the symptoms.
It is a moral crime and unfair for any indoor cat to be put out. In addition to the diseases and illnesses that can be caught out of doors, the indoor cat has no experience with outdoor life and so is often unable to defend against cars, animals, and other hazards or to effectively search for food.
According to a recent report, between six and ten million people (that's approximately two percent of the population!) in the United States are allergic to cats or exhibit symptoms of cat allergy. However, people often misunderstand these symptoms. Majority believe that cat allergy are caused by allergens from the fur or cat dander (scales of the skin), when, in fact, most of the potent allergens come mainly from saliva and sweat.
A cat's saliva or sweat contains a protein with a carbohydrate structure called "Fel d 1." It is an allergen that causes symptoms of cat allergy. "Fel d 1" is much smaller than pollen or mold spores, which are already very potent allergens because of their diminutive size, but because of its much smaller size, "Fel d 1" has even greater potential to cause an allergic reaction. "Fel d 1" can easily bypass nasal passages and lodges deep in the lungs, where it can cause allergic episodes and asthma.
Like pollen and mold spores, "Fel d 1" are airborne allergens. They are often microscopic and float in the air easily. After a cat licks itself while grooming, "Fel d 1" allergen is deposited on its fur and once that happens, the dried specks of saliva can float off and drift around your home. The protein allergen can be found anywhere as aside from being airborne, it attaches itself to walls, windows, and furniture. What is even more amazing is that this allergen can remain in your home for years after a cat leaves your home. So if you want to remove the allergen from your home to protect yourself from cat allergy, everything would have to be totally cleaned.
Symptoms
Like most allergies, cat allergy can affect your eyes, nose, ears, throat, lungs, and skin. The symptoms, especially respiratory reactions, usually occur between fifteen and forty minutes after one is exposed. However, note that pet-related allergies like cat allergy can take days from initial exposure for its onset.
The most common symptoms associated with cat allergy are:
- Red, itchy, or swollen eyes - Reddened areas on the skin - Runny nose - Nasal congestion - Sneezing - Ears that become stuffed up or itchy - Post nasal drip - Itching and hoarseness in the throat - Frequent bronchitis - Coughing and wheezing
How to Control Cat Allergy
Always the best way to control allergic reactions is avoidance method. However, majority of people with cat allergy often ignore medical advice and continue to keep at least one cat at home even after diagnosis of their condition. We all love our cats and we want to protect them, but you should think about yourself once in a while. Below are some tips to help you control your cat allergy even while keeping a cat home:
- Use reputable allergy relief and avoidance products at home - Since "Fel d 1" allergens float in the air, having a source of fresh air will reduce the allergen. Improve ventilation in your house by using an air conditioner even during humid months. - Use a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter to reduce particles of cat allergen in your home.
If symptoms persist even after following the tips provided above, then perhaps it's time for you to consult a doctor for his advice on proper medication or immunotherapy.
Both Judith Allison & Bill Weaver are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Judith Allison has sinced written about articles on various topics from Cooking Tips, Information Technology and Acne Treatment. Judith Brandy writes a number of articles and blog posts for different websites including .. Judith Allison's top article generates over 49500 views. to your Favourites.
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