FAQ About Pet Allergies: Answers from Allergy and Asthma Doctors in Jenkintown, PA

What are pet allergies, and are they different from dander?

Pet Allergies refer to the immune system's hypersensitive reaction to proteins found in an animal's skin cells, saliva, urine, and, to a lesser extent, feces. These proteins are considered allergens. When a person with a pet allergy encounters these allergens, their immune system mistakenly identifies them as harmful invaders, triggering an allergic reaction. This reaction can manifest in symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, skin rashes, or asthma. Many pets, including cats, dogs, rodents, birds, and others can trigger pet allergies. The severity of allergic reactions can vary significantly among individuals and is influenced by exposure to allergens and individual sensitivity.

On the other hand, Pet Dander is one of the primary sources of pet allergens. Dander consists of tiny, even microscopic, flecks of skin shed by cats, dogs, rodents, birds, and other animals with fur or feathers. These particles can contain the proteins that trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Pet dander is particularly problematic because it is tiny and can remain airborne for extended periods, allowing it to be easily inhaled or to settle on surfaces throughout a home. Dander can stick to clothing, furniture, and walls and can be challenging to eliminate from an environment.

What are the most common symptoms?

 

How do you find out if you are allergic to animals?

It is often difficult to pinpoint what is causing allergy symptoms, so the only way to know for sure is to seek professional help, specifically allergy testing.

1. Skin Prick Test (SPT): Places a small amount of allergen on the skin, then pricks the area to introduce the allergen. A reaction indicates an allergy.
2. Intradermal Skin Test: Involves injecting a small amount of allergen under the skin. Used if SPT results are inconclusive.
3. Specific IgE Blood Test: Measures IgE antibodies to specific allergens in the blood. Helpful for people who cannot undergo skin testing.
4. Patch Test: Identifies contact allergies (less common for pet allergies).

These tests help determine if you have pet dander, saliva, or urine allergies. An allergist can recommend the best test based on individual circumstances.

Can pet allergies trigger asthma?

 Yes, pet allergies can trigger asthma. When someone with asthma is allergic to pet dander, exposure to these allergens can lead to an asthma attack. Asthma triggered by pet allergies is a form of allergic asthma that worsens when exposed to specific allergens. In the case of pet allergies, the proteins found in an animal's dander, saliva, and urine can be the allergens that cause this reaction. An asthma doctor in Jenkintown, PA, can help if symptoms get out of hand.

Symptoms of asthma triggered by pet allergies might include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Chest tightness or pain
• Wheezing or a whistling sound when exhaling
• Coughing or shortness of breath, especially early in the morning or at night

Managing exposure to pet allergens is crucial for people with asthma and pet allergies. This might involve reducing contact with pets, using air purifiers, and following other strategies to minimize allergen presence in the home. Additionally, people with asthma should follow their asthma action plan and use prescribed medications to control their asthma symptoms effectively.

How do you lessen allergy and asthma symptoms while at home in Jenkintown, PA?

To lessen symptoms of pet allergies at home, consider implementing the following strategies based on the information you provided:

1. Minimize Pet Access: Keep pets out of your bedroom and other areas where you spend much time. Ideally, restrict pets to specific rooms or areas of your home.
2. Clean Regularly: Vacuum frequently using a vacuum with a HEPA filter to reduce pet dander. Dust with a damp cloth to avoid spreading dander into the air.
3. Bathe Your Pet: Wash your pet weekly to reduce the amount of dander and allergens on its fur. Consult a veterinarian for the best bathing practices for your pet's health.
4. Use Air Purifiers: Place HEPA air purifiers in critical areas of your home to capture airborne allergens, including pet dander.
5. Wash Bedding and Fabrics: Regularly launder bedding, curtains, and any washable fabrics in hot water to remove dander and other allergens.
6. Control Humidity: Maintain indoor humidity below 50% to reduce dust mites, which can exacerbate pet allergy symptoms.
7. Allergen-Proof Your Home: Use an allergen-proof mattress and pillow covers to minimize exposure to allergens while sleeping.
8. Hands and Clothing: Wash your hands immediately after petting animals and change clothes if necessary to reduce the spread of dander.
9. Flooring: If possible, replace carpeting with hard flooring, as carpets can trap and hold dander.
10. Groom Pets Outside: Brush or groom your pet outdoors to prevent spreading dander inside your home.
11. No Licking: Discourage pets from licking your face or hands to avoid direct contact with saliva allergens.

You should call our talented local team for more help with pet allergies. Our trusted allergy and asthma doctors in Jenkintown, PA has the skills, tools, and team to help you and your loved ones find relief from pet allergies. Give us a call today.

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