Pets and allergies
Can a person with respiratory allergies have pets, such as dogs or cats? This is the question that many are asking and whose answer can be found in the intensity of the crises that result from that relationship.
Pets are an invaluable asset for the well-being of adults and children, both physically and emotionally.
But this passion for animals, especially dogs and cats, can have a major obstacle: allergy!
In fact, many people develop allergies to their presence, either because of the hair or the fluids of these four-legged friends.
What is the source of this allergy?
Allergies produced by animals can originate for several reasons, the most common being proteins in the animal’s hair, saliva or urine.
Reactions may vary in intensity, depending on allergy violence, even producing rhinoconjunctivitis, skin rashes or respiratory problems.
Allergy is produced as an over-reaction of the immune system to some external element that is perceived as dangerous.
In this way, our body eventually produces antibodies, as a form of defense to attack the foreign agents.
15% of the population
Studies indicate that at least 15% of the population has some type of allergy related to animals.
Generally, those who suffer, have a respiratory allergy, which is usually manifested by rhinitis or asthma.
The substances that cause the allergy are called allergens. These are housed in the hair of the animals, through production in glands.
These allergens can also be sourced from the peeling of the skin, urine, saliva and other secretions.
According to experts, the symptoms that we present to domestic animals allergy are the same that cause allergy to dust, and may present as a rhinitis, with sneezing, coughing, itching in the nose and eyes, nasal obstruction and abundant nasal discharge, or as asthma, with bouts of bronchospasm.
Ways to Prevent Allergy Symptoms:
However, if the allergic person wants to have a healthy relationship their pet, and if the allergy is not so severe (mild rashes, tearful eyes, sneezing), that it gets to the point of interfering a lot in the quality of life, there are some measures to take that can minimize the symptoms.
- Do not let the pet enter your room,
And in particular you have contact with your bed, pillows and blankets … This will prevent the spread of a allergenic agents.
- Apply products that help reduce allergens
That can be present in the animals hair. Do it once a week, for greater control of the elements that generate allergy symptoms.
- Brush your pet out of the house, or at least in an open space,
This will prevent allergenic agents from dispersing in the indoor environment, after having lived with them for a long time.
- Keep clean the place where your pet sleeps,
In order to avoid the spread of allergenic agents and to prevent the appearance of allergy symptoms.
Likewise, if your pet urinates inside the house, cleaning should be immediate as this is one of the main source of allergies.
- Clean your house very thoroughly and regularly.
Although there is no cleaning to completely rid the house from allergens, special care can help …
Take special care, for example, of places where dust accumulates, such as rugs, curtains, cushions, cracks or other surfaces that will not be cleaned so often …
Also remember that vacuum cleaners do not solve problems with allergens since they do not remove the dust from the bottom of the mats.
Steam cleaning alone is not the best solution because it facilitates the appearance of fungi, which generate allergenic agents.
Therefore, the ideal is to have a ceramic or wooden floor, with removable carpet and that can be washed with a certain frequency.
Having air purifiers at home can help a lot in combating allergens.
Having a device in the allergic person’s room is key!
GREATER IMMUNITY SINCE CHILDHOOD?
Some experts say that one of the advantages of living with pets from an early age has to do with the development of antibodies and the strengthening of bacterial flora within the body. More, they claim that exposure may be a factor that lowers the risk of developing animal allergies or diseases derived from contact with them.