The most common of animal allergens sensitizes us:
1 - epidermis (dog, cat, horse, rabbit, cow);
2 - urine of animals (cat, dog, guinea pig, mouse,);
3 - saliva (dog, cat);
4 - less likely to sensitize the bristles (although very strongly at the horse) or to sensitize the coat (horse, dog, cow).
How do we come into contact with an animal allergen?
Allergens are present primarily in the so-called house dust rising from the floors, depositing on the equipment and mattresses of the beds. The most common antigens are microparticles of the animal's epidermis, and less frequently of the pet hair. Antigens from saliva and urine dry out and become volatile, which allows them to enter the airways. Allergens settling on the conjunctiva and nasal mucosa cause symptoms of allergy and asthma. In case of settling on the skin, eg by licking through an animal, they can cause pruritus and urticaria.
Can we avoid the allergen?
It is quite impossible to completely avoid animal allergens. They are found in dust samples taken from practically all public places, including new residential buildings, shopping centers, workplaces, doctors' surgeries, and even newly built hospitals. Animal allergens are also sometimes present in homes where animals have never been. Where, for example, cats are not grown, the allergen can be transferred to clothing or the air stream. However, allergen concentrations in these apartments are many times lower than where the animals are.
What amount of allergen causes allergy symptoms?
Sometimes it is a very small dose. For example, to trigger an attack of asthma, in a cat sensitized person, a dose produced by the animal within 10 seconds is sufficient. The cat's antigen is so strong that it is even sensitized to people who have never had this animal! Experienced allergologists claim that almost any amount of animal allergen can cause allergy symptoms, especially asthma.
What can be the effects of constant contact with animal allergens?
According to research, 5% of patients who are allergic to animals may develop conjunctivitis, 9% of eczema, 27% of hay fever and 78% of asthmatic complaints. These numbers are included by people who are mutually overlapping).
Where do we usually meet animals that may cause sensitization?
1. In apartments - domestic animals mammals: cat, dog, guinea pig, hamster; Birds: parrot, canary, etc.
2. In agricultural farming for food purposes, mammals: horses, cows, sheep, goats, rabbits; Birds: chickens, ducks, geese, pigeons, etc.
3. In professional work requiring contact with animals - laboratory animals: mice, rats, rabbits, guinea pigs. Studs: horses. Zoo; circus: almost all animals.
Ed. Edward Ozga Michalski, MA
Consultation by prof. dr hab. med. Andrzej Danysz
