The best thing an allergy can do is determine which animal is allergic and try to remove it from its surroundings. Therefore, it is extremely important to know what animals are sensitizing. Sometimes we can determine it ourselves when we get rid of the domestic animal and we get better health. For example, if a child or other household member has symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis or the onset of asthma, and a cat or dog is kept at home - our suspicions should be directed primarily at those pets. However, because we can make a mistake and needlessly get rid of the beloved pet, it is better to ask for the help of an experienced allergologist who will conduct a medical interview with us and deduce the cause of allergy with the method of deduction. This is not always just one source of sensitization.
Does allergy to a cat or dog exclude other causes of allergies?
No, it does not exclude. It is important to identify all permanent contacts with various animals and other types of sensitization. It is important not only to establish the relationship between the symptoms of the disease and the contact with the animal, but also to find out that the allergy is getting out of isolation from the animal, eg during holidays or weekends. It is also possible allergy to dust mites, the symptoms of which may be similar, such as a dog or allergy to guinea pig, or allergy to a hamster.
How to confirm the findings of the interview about the source of allergens?
Diagnosis of allergies to animals by means of an interview should be confirmed by skin tests, preferably made by the skin puncture method (spot test). When interpreting skin tests, it should be remembered that they only show the presence of specific IgE antibodies reactive to animal allergens, but they do not prove that visible symptoms are the result of an allergic reaction. It is therefore necessary to comply with the skin test with a diagnosis of the situation made in a medical interview.
Ed. Edward Ozga Michalski, MA
Consultation by prof. dr hab. med. Andrzej Danysz
Where does allergy treatment to animals begin?
The most effective treatment method is to remove the animal from the home, and in the case of occupational exposure, change the job. Avoiding exposure to animal allergens not only alleviates, but also leads to the resolution of disease symptoms. It is important to realize that the place of accumulation of animal allergens in the home are carpets, especially mattresses. The latter, if financial possibilities allow it, are best replaced with new ones. For people for whom it is not possible to avoid contact with the animal, pharmacological treatment may be necessary
What medicines do we treat allergies to animals?
We use the same drugs as in other types of allergies, i.e. antihistamines, inhaled beta-mimetics in asthma. However, it should be taken into account that in case of repeated exposure to high doses of the allergen, the symptoms may return, despite the use of appropriate drugs.
Is immunotherapy for animal allergens recommended?
In this case, it is not recommended in the first place, because relatively easily, in comparison with other types of allergies, you can remove the allergen carrier - an animal in your environment. It is also worth noting that extracts of animal allergens used for desensitization are less standardized than, for example, pollen allergens, and therefore their effectiveness is not comparable. Nevertheless, in cases of annoying asthma caused by the allergen of an ubiquitous cat, this method can be used to reduce the symptoms of a particularly troublesome allergy symptom, which is asthma.
When is desensitization recommended?
When exposure to animal allergens is of a professional nature and the patient can not or does not want to change jobs - eg farmers, veterinarians, zoo employees, etc.Immunotherapy can then be the only chance to continue practicing the profession. They should also be sensitized to patients with severe allergy symptoms, in which exposure to low levels of allergen leads to severe clinical symptoms.
How can you help yourself if you can not change your job or it is difficult to remove cattery from your neighbor's apartment?
In cases when it is not possible to remove the animal from the immediate environment (home, work), we try to reduce the amount of allergens released or their distribution by the following methods:
We remove from the house padded with soft upholstery furniture, carpets, etc. It should be used easily washable floor coverings and take care of their regular cleaning with disinfectant (effective is 3% tannic acid, denaturing proteins, especially the cat, but not acting on birds allergens).
In the bedroom, we do not allow pets to stay, because we spend almost 1/3 of the day here. It is recommended to use covers, special fabric for mattresses and bedding, which protects against the deposition of very fine animal allergens in mattresses and bedding and getting out under pressure. It is advisable to use vacuum cleaners with an appropriate filter.
In laboratories with animals, in order to reduce the concentration of allergens, it is recommended to use protective clothing, special masks, goggles, separation of the laboratory space in which animals are housed and the use of air lifts and barriers.
In domestic or farm breeding, we cultivate animals so as to reduce the growth and flaking of the epidermis, spreading feathers, hair, and urine leakage. Care for hygiene of habitat, health, proper nutrition and washing, proper veterinary care reduces the production of allergens.