-
Pet allergy symptoms appear during or shortly after exposure to the animal. Allergies to pets, particularly to cats and dogs, are a common cause of allergic disease, including asthma and allergic rhinitis (hay fever).These symptoms may linger long after the animal is gone. This is because the dander remains in the air, on furniture or on your clothing. The allergy results in: Sneezing, Itchy, watery eyes, Runny nose, Congestion. Additionally, contact with a pet may trigger skin allergy symptoms including itchy skin or raised, red patches (hives). Pets can also trigger asthma symptoms, causing wheezing, difficulty breathing or chest tightness.
-
The most effective way to manage pet and other allergic rhinitis symptoms is to avoid the allergen(s) causing the symptoms. Antihistamines like Allegra, Claritin, Benadryl, or Zyrtec and other over-the-counter allergy medications may help relieve symptoms, but they are not ideal as a long-term treatment. Decongestants, which reduce swelling in the nose and relieve congestion; examples are over-the-counter Sudafed and Allegra-D. Other drugs, which affect allergy or asthma symptoms in different ways; prescription steroids -- such as Flonase or Nasonex sprays -- are a common treatment for allergies. Both Flonase and Nasonex are available over the counter and by prescription. Allergy shots have a proven track record as an effective form of long-term treatment (immunotherapy).
-
Pets may trigger asthma study shows’ Researchers focused on a number of different triggers, all of which are believed to increase the chances of a child, who is genetically predisposed to asthma, developing the disease, The most common triggers is the presence of pets. The results of the research appear in the latest edition of the medical journal 'Paediatrics'. A review earlier this year in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) looked at different types of infection, how they are transmitted from pets, prevention and the role of healthcare providers. “Studies suggest physicians do not regularly ask about pet contact, nor do they discuss the risks of zoonotic diseases with patients, regardless of the patient’s immune status,”
-
According to the Asthma Society of Ireland there are an estimated 274,000 Irish people, both adults and children, with asthma. Finnish research found babies who grew up in homes with a pet dog or cat were 44 per cent less likely to develop an ear infection and 29 per cent less likely to receive antibiotics in their first year of life.
