Pets are real family members. We take care of them and look after them. They became our best friends. Will people with allergies really be deprived of this happiness? Not everything is clear. Even those who suffer from asthma have a chance to get a pet. However, all your actions should be coordinated with your doctor. Let’s consider what to do if you notice asthma symptoms, what rules to follow when getting animals, and how to live happily with allergies!
Pets and Asthma Triggers
Pet dander is generally harmless to most people, but for those with allergies, it can cause a variety of discomforts, even when the pet is not around. Pet dander is microscopic and can linger in the air, on clothing, and on furniture. When inhaled, it can cause a person with asthma to experience unpleasant symptoms, including nasal congestion, wheezing, chest tightness, sneezing, and itchy eyes or skin.
Pet dander (tiny flakes of skin), dried saliva, or urine can trigger asthma symptoms. Fur or feathers can collect particles that can aggravate asthma symptoms: dust mites (tiny insects), pollen, and so on. Does this mean there is no way out? And you can forget about the dream of having a cat, dog, or other pet. Not at all! By the way, children who come into contact with dogs at an early age may have a lower risk of developing asthma.
Pets and Asthma
We encourage you to stay on top of your treatment. Talk to your doctor to identify any allergen sensitivities. If you suffer from allergies, limit direct contact with pets to reduce your exposure to allergens.
Keep pets out of your bedroom. Designate pet-free areas, especially your bedroom. This will help reduce dander buildup. Use air purifiers with HEPA filters to reduce the amount of pet dander in the air. Learn about medications or immunotherapy options to help manage your symptoms. We are here to help you stay healthy.
How Do I Know If I Have a Pet Allergy?
If you notice sneezing, itchy eyes, a runny nose, itchy skin, or even a rash when you’re around animals, you may have an allergy. Asthma symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness, also raise concerns about allergies.
These symptoms may occur shortly after contact with an animal or may take several hours to appear. To confirm whether your symptoms are due to a pet allergy, ask your doctor for an allergy skin test or blood test.
Keep a record of when your symptoms occur, what you did, and whether you were around animals. If you work with animals, you may be at increased risk for developing occupational asthma.
How Can I Reduce My Risk?
If you have a preventer inhaler, use it daily. This will help reduce your risk of reacting to asthma triggers, including pets. Preventer inhalers reduce inflammation in your airways, which reduces the likelihood of symptoms when triggers occur.
Another important point is to take antihistamines. Ask your doctor about antihistamines or nasal sprays that can help reduce allergy symptoms caused by pets.
Be sure to carry an asthma reliever inhaler with you so that you can quickly relieve asthma symptoms if they occur.
Can I have Pets if I Have Asthma?
Not everyone with asthma is allergic to pets. Unfortunately, if you have allergic asthma, contact with pets can trigger your symptoms. Animal dander (tiny flakes of skin), saliva, and urine can cause allergic reactions in some people, which can worsen illness symptoms. Of course, you can have a pet, but you should discuss this with your doctor. And it is very important to follow the rules that your doctor prescribes. Unfortunately, pet allergies can develop at any age. Even if you had no problems with cats or dogs as a child, you can develop an allergy.
Which Pets are More Likely to Cause Allergies?
Pets with fur or feathers are more likely to cause allergic reactions and asthma symptoms. These include cats, dogs, rabbits, and birds. Scaly animals, such as fish, frogs, turtles, lizards, and snakes, do not shed skin flakes (dander) and are less likely to cause allergic reactions. However, algae in aquariums or certain bedding materials may be allergenic to some people.
Hypoallergenic Pets
The term “hypoallergenic” refers to animals that are thought to produce fewer allergens. Some breeds of cats and dogs are considered hypoallergenic and may cause fewer allergic reactions. However, even pets that shed less may still cause symptoms. No pet is completely hypoallergenic.
Dog Allergy and Asthma Treatment
If you start sneezing and wheezing after petting or playing with a dog, you may have a dog allergy. Dogs produce several allergens, or proteins, that can cause allergies. These allergens are found in dog hair, dander, saliva, and urine. All dogs produce allergens. Research has not shown that dogs can be hypoallergenic.
Avoidance is the best way to manage dog allergies, but if you have a dog and don’t want to find a new home for him, here are some strategies that can help keep symptoms at bay.
Keep your dog out of your bedroom and limit his presence to a few rooms. Don’t pet, cuddle, or kiss your dog; if you do, wash your hands with soap and water. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifiers running continuously in your bedroom or living room can reduce allergen levels over time. Bath your dog at least once a week!
Can Cats Cause Asthma?
Cats can also be a major source of asthma triggers: dead skin (dander), urine, or saliva. Inhaling any of these allergens usually causes various allergic reactions that lead to asthma symptoms. These allergens often float in the air in your home—attached to dust particles—and settle on furniture, curtains, and carpets. If your cat shares your bed, the allergens can linger in your sheets and blankets for years.
Conclusion
Giving up your best friend is not an easy decision. That’s why many people choose to keep the animal. But in this case, you should never neglect the rules. Now you know how to take care of yourself. And don’t skip a visit to the doctor. Each case is individual. We provide exceptional care for children and adults. Our doctors have established themselves as leaders in the field of allergy and asthma treatment. Call us to schedule an appointment!
