Allergy to animals in adults

Nearly 70% of our homes have companion animals and the number is growing. But sometimes close contact with them can cause allergies. And it is important to know how to treat and prevent it.

When we come into contact with a harmless substance that triggers an immune response, this is called an allergy. The substance that causes a reaction is called an allergen. Allergic reactions can be mild or extremely severe, and in some cases even fatal. Sometimes they can lead to asthma or other conditions such as sinusitis. Overall, more than 50 million people suffer from allergies each year. Allergy treatment is complex, lengthy and not always successful.

For unclear reasons, people today suffer from allergies more often than 30 years ago. Asthma cases have tripled, and other forms of allergies, including pet allergies, are also on the rise.

Can adults be allergic to animals?

Experts disagree on the causes of allergies. Some theories include increased hygiene levels, decreased physical activity, and the impact of global warming. Whatever the cause, pet allergies are on the rise. One study found that 90 times more people had allergic reactions to cats in the early 5s than in the late 70s.

Researchers have found a link between infants’ exposure to pet germs and reduced pet allergies. When a newborn is exposed to certain microbes in the first few months of life, the baby’s risk of developing an allergic reaction to those animals that carry those microbes is greatly reduced.

Another study showed a link between dog microbes and reduced risk of asthma – at least in mice. The mice were given house dust supplements from both homes with dogs and homes without dogs. Mice given dog dust were well protected from respiratory diseases and allergies.

Sneeze and blow your nose are forced by animal proteins – secretoglobins, lipocalins and kallikreins. Of these, more than half of the animal allergens have been identified as lipocalins, which are proteins responsible for moving vitamins, steroids, and other substances throughout the body.

Allergy-causing proteins are found in cats and dogs in a variety of locations. In dogs, allergens are found in saliva, dander, urine and hair. In cats, they can be found in fur, saliva, and skin.

If you’re allergic, it’s not just the allergens your pet produces that you should avoid. Pets can also initiate other allergens into the home. These include pollen from ragweed and other plants that cause hay fever, as well as mold, dust mites, spores, and more.

How does an allergy to animals manifest itself in adults?

If you suspect that you are one of the people prone to pet allergies, there are a few common symptoms to look out for. The first signs are sneezing and runny nose. Other possible symptoms:

• red, itchy, watery eyes;
• hives or rash;
• pressure in the sinuses and pain from congestion.

If you are prone to asthma, you may experience tightness and pressure in your chest, you may cough harder and have difficulty breathing.

In very sensitive people, symptoms appear within minutes of contact.

How to treat an allergy to animals in adults

The first and most obvious solution is to stay away from the animals causing your symptoms. It’s not always that easy, or even impossible, depending on where you live and work. In very sensitive people, symptoms may appear even outside the home. In this case, you need to have antihistamines, eye drops and nasal sprays on hand, as well as bronchodilators if you are prone to asthma.

Allergy shots may also be a good choice for you. Talk to your doctor about the best medicines available for your situation.

Diagnostics

Before you think about saying goodbye to your pet, make an appointment with an allergist. You may not be allergic to pets! And it manifests itself, for example, in mold, dust mites, pollen or other allergens that a companion animal brings, and they cause problems.

Modern methods

Animals are part of the family. But if there is an allergic person in the house, try to keep pets out of living rooms, especially those with carpeted floors. Keep a HEPA air filter in this room and minimize the amount of upholstered furniture. Impervious pillow covers are also useful. Vacuum frequently to get rid of dandruff and dust. Keep your pet away from upholstered furniture. Brush your pet outside and wash it regularly. Change clothing after contact. And while it can be hard to resist, refrain from hugging and kissing your furry friend.

One of the methods of modern treatment is allergy injections, when dandruff extract mixed with salt water is injected under the skin. This process requires several injections. The first 6 months you will need to do injections once a week. Six months later – 1 time in 1 – 2 weeks for the next six months. If there is a positive effect, such treatment can last up to 4 years to consolidate the result.

Pet dander can be eliminated by HEPA air filters, which trap even tiny particles that can cause your immune system to overreact.

In addition, you need to regularly and thoroughly clean the apartment to prevent the spread of dandruff. Bed linen should be washed regularly, vacuumed once a week, and upholstered furniture too.

Get rid of carpets. Replace fabric curtains with materials that won’t trap the smallest particles.

Prevention of animal allergies in adults at home

It is believed that there are hypoallergenic dog breeds that do not cause allergies in humans. However, there is no scientific evidence for this. One study examined 173 dog owners’ homes. The scientists measured levels of a common dog allergen protein called Can f 1. After conducting the experiment, the scientists found no “statistically significant differences” between homes with “hypoallergenic” dogs and homes with normal dogs. So hypoallergenic breeds are a myth.

Popular questions and answers

For questions related to animal allergies, we were answered by allergist-immunologist, Ph.D. Anatoly Bala.