Pet Allergy Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

What Is Pet Allergy ?

It is an allergic response to certain proteins which are found in the urine, saliva or skin cells of an animal. Common symptoms of pet allergy are:

Runny nose.
Sneezing.

In addition, few individuals also develop symptoms of asthma, for example breathing difficulties and wheezing. Usually, the allergic response instigates by the exposure of shed skin flakes of a pet animal. Animals that have furs serve as the source for the allergic reaction, yet the allergy is commonly linked with specific animals including horses, rodents, dogs and cats. In case someone in your family or you have pet allergy, then the best prevention is avoidance to the particular animal. For easing the signs and controlling asthma, medications can help.

What Are The Symptoms Of Pet Allergy ?

Its symptoms are triggered by the inflammation in the nasal passages, few of which are:

Swollen skin under the eyes.
Sneezing.
Cough.
Red, itchy eyes.
Itchy throat or nose.
Nasal congestion.
Watery eyes.
Postnasal drip.
Facial pressure.

Few individuals with the allergy may also develop symptoms related to the skin. More specifically, allergic dermatitis tends to be the reaction of a body’s immune system that leads to skin inflammation. Clearly, a direct contact with the specific animal can cause allergic dermatitis. The skin condition is characterized by the following signs:

Eczema.
Hives.
Itchy skin.

What Causes Pet Allergy ?

Normally, the immune system of our body helps to defend it against the harmful, foreign substances, than can make us ill. Though, for an unknown reason, the immune system of some people identifies specific harmless substances as unsafe, thus, produces antibodies. Exposure to that specific allergen is spotted by these antibodies, which in turn indicate the immune system to counteract. The immune system then releases chemicals, including histamine that manages to develop the symptom of allergies.

In pet allergy, the immune system mark the proteins found in the saliva, urine or dead skin cells shed by a pet animal as something danger for the body. Therefore, starts the process to comeback the allergen. Not merely by coming in contact with the allergen, but inhaling it as well can also lead to the development of pet allergy symptoms, as the immune system reacts and makes an inflammatory response in the lungs or nasal passages. In addition, frequent or prolonged exposure can root chronic inflammation linked with asthma.

What Are The Complications Of Pet Allergy ?

Few complications associated with pet allergy include:

Sinus infection.
Asthma.

How Is Per Allergy Diagnosis ?

Based on the signs, evaluation of nose, and answers to certain questions help a doctor doubt pet allergy. To ascertain, he can suggest the following tests:

Blood test.
Allergy skin test.

How Is Pet Allergy Treatment ?

As mentioned earlier, avoiding is the best prevention, though, in case of accidentally coming in contact, the doctor can review the following medicine options to ease your symptoms: