Sniffling and Sneezing? Help For Dog Allergy Sufferers
Being allergic to dogs can be the worst, especially if you have one of your own or you find yourself close to somebody else who does. There are so many reasons that it can be a drag to be allergic to dogs, and you may find yourself suffering even when Fido is nowhere to be found. What should you do in this instance? Before you break up with your girlfriend or move out of your apartment building because you can't breathe from the dander, look into some of the options for help for dog allergy sufferers like yourself who wish they could do something about their allergy.
While many people say that some dogs incite allergic reactions in people while others do not, this is not necessarily the truth. What it is that causes the allergic reaction in people is the dander that comes from the dead skin cells off of the scalp or other things of that nature, and not necessarily the dog or the fur of the dog itself.
If you have an allergy to dogs, the thing about it that causes the reaction is the immune system. Your body is reacting to the dander as if it were an illness, so it reacts in that way which causes the runny eyes, the sniffles, the sneezes, and just about everything else about dog allergies that makes sufferers run in the other direction when they catch sight of Fido.
If you have slight pet allergies and you still want to have your canine companion in the home, there are things that you can do help make life easier. Keep in mind that these things will only work if your allergy is slight--if you have a severe allergy it may be best not to get a dog at all to avoid having to go through the disappointment of giving him or her away in the instance that you just cannot stand the discomfort.
One thing you can do to offset the discomfort of having a dog allergy is to look into a HEPA filter or some other type of air purifier in your home. Also, make sure to keep your dog off of the couch and bed, so that you can reduce the amount of dander in your environment that can irritate your system.
Also, having bare floors rather than carpeted floors is a good way to reduce the amount of discomfort you experience due to dog allergies. Cleaning frequently and dusting just as frequently can help you to feel better as well, reducing the amount of irritants on the surface of things and in the air that you have to deal with.
As you can see, having an allergy to dogs is not the end of the world. There are things that you can do to help you to feel better when it comes to dog allergies, and you may be able to live a normal life even with your best friend in the home. Find out what things work for your when it comes to avoiding an allergic reaction and you may find out that your allergies are not nearly as bad as you though they were.
Pet Allergies Are Nothing to Sneeze At
You walk into your friends house and are introduced to their new addition to the family. The call him Rex and he's an adorable 10 week old black lab. He runs to you wagging his tail and searching for your attention. He's loving, playful and fun.
However, within minutes, while the fun for the dog continues, the fun for you stops. You begin to feel a scratch in your throat, your eyes start to water and you begin to sneeze continuously.
Pet allergies aren't fun for anyone who has them. Although the majority of us are free from allergies to pets, those who are unfortunate enough to have them will tell you that their allergic reactions can be quite problematic. Signs and symptoms of pet allergies can range from mild to severe. They include:
itching and burning eyes runny nose scratchy throat skin rashes hives sneezing swelling throatThe symptoms can even become more severe and advance to an asthmatic attack causing the individual to have difficulty with breathing.
While many people think that pet allergies are the result of the dog or cats hair, that really isn't the case. In fact, the main reasons for pet allergies are the reaction by the body to a protein in the animals dander or less commonly, saliva.
Since the dander or saliva can be extremely small, it floats through the air or attaches to clothes, furniture, etc. This is why allergies can even occur after the animal is removed from the area. Those small particles of protein can quickly disperse through a room and remain in an area for quite some time.
While many breathe in the small particles with no problems whatsoever, some individuals have a reaction to the animals protein. The body believes that this is an "outside invader" and reacts to it as such, causing the person to have an immune response in the form of an allergic reaction. While some reactions occur within minutes, others may take hours to react to the animal.
A person can now receive tests for allergies. The main allergy tests include the "skin prick test" in which allergens are placed under the skin to determine if a localized skin reaction occurs. Another popular test includes a simple blood test to determine what an individual has an allergy to.
Once diagnosed, the most effective treatment includes avoidance. This means that the person should avoid whatever it is that they are allergic to. So, if a person has a cat allergy, they should then stay away from cats.
Another treatment includes medications administered by your doctor or allergist. Some medications can help to alleviate the amount of symptoms that a person experiences when exposed to the allergen.
So, if your eyes water and you begin to sneeze every time Rex the dog walks in the room, you may be suffering from a pet allergy. If so, it may be time to determine what exactly you may be allergic to though testing. This can provide you with the answers you need to better understand and gain control of any allergy that you may have.
Got Allergies? 5 Practical Cures
Allergies arise when you come in contact with a foreign substance that sets off a reaction from your body. Inhalant allergies, which we experience when we breathe in irritants, cause your nose to get congested. You'll start to sneeze. Your eyes may also get itchy and you can develop a cough.
The four most common airborne allergens are dust, pollen, pet dander (dead skin cells shed by animals) and mold. If your home is clean, there are fewer chances of you encountering these substances. But since your home isn't hermetically sealed and you go to many places, there are times when these substances find their way to you. If you're allergic to any of them, then you're in trouble.
To help you fight your allergies, here are some of the practical moves you can make to deal with them:
1. See your doctor.
This would be the most logical move to make -- but so many people put off going to the doctor unless the ailment is "serious." However, if you don't want to suffer anymore, take note of your symptoms and record all the details about your allergic reaction. Share all the useful information to your doctor to help him or her determine the cause of your allergic reactions. He or she will then prescribe you with the necessary antihistamines. Make sure that you always have a ready supply of the prescribed medication.
2. Invest in air conditioners.
This will help alleviate pollen, mold and dust. Air conditioners keep the humidity level low, which prevents the development of molds, the accumulation of dust and the transfer of pollen. You should also make sure that your car's air conditioning is working well.
3. Wear a face mask.
To prevent allergic attacks, make sure that you wear a face mask whenever you're doing anything that will expose you to allergens. It's advisable for you to wear it when you're doing chores or when you're going to be outdoors for hours.
4. Disinfect dark and damp areas.
Make sure that ever corner of your home is clean. Pay attention to inaccessible corners and areas where moisture easily develops such as the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry area. Your garage and your basement should also be kept uncluttered and clean. If you have carpets, you should replace them with throw rugs, which are easier to clean.
5. Isolate your pets.
If you can't stay away from your pets, make sure that they're restricted to certain areas of your house. They should not be allowed to wander around everywhere so that you can easily seek refuge in the uncontaminated areas each time you feel your allergies acting up.
Allergies – Forms and Treatment
It is estimated that about fifty million Americans are allergic to one or more things. Our body's immune system produces antibodies when it mistakes any harmless substance or allergen as an intruder. These antibodies are produced to defend the body against the substances mistakenly regarded as offenders. The cells around the affected areas also produce histamine and other chemicals. The release of histamine can result to sneezing, hives, itchiness and other known allergic reactions. These allergic reactions usually appear in areas of the body where the allergen comes to.
Among the most common types of allergies are food allergies, allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma and allergic contact dermatitis. Each of these types has its own specific symptoms and probable form of treatment.
It is estimated that about 100 Americans are killed each year due to food allergies. Studies show that only 1 to 2 percent of all adults with allergies are suffering from true food allergies. The most common food allergens are milk, eggs, fish, peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, almonds and cashew. It is estimated that about 3 million Americans are allergic to peanuts and tree nuts - the number one causes of food allergy deaths. People suffering from food allergies may experience swelling and tingling of the lips. There may be itchiness, hives or rashes occurring in any part of the body. Additionally, those suffering from food allergies may also feel bloating, abdominal cramps, gas, diarrhea and vomiting.
In severe cases, food allergies can be life threatening. Fortunately, this is rarely the case. If you have known food allergies, the best treatment is to avoid the offending food sources. Otherwise, antihistamines may be administered for mild reactions. Corticosteroid creams may be used to treat skin rashes. For life-threatening reactions, an injectable epinephrine such as EpiPen may save your life. Allergy shots can also be administered especially if drugs don't work, or if you are unable to avoid the allergens.
Allergic rhinitis is a form of allergy which affects one in seven Americans. This form of allergy may occur during a specific season as in hay fever. This can also be perennial, meaning it can be a whole year round condition. Both types however, exhibit similar symptoms. Hay fever is commonly caused by pollen from trees (usually during the spring season), grasses and ragweed. On the other hand, perennial allergies are triggered by indoor allergens like dust mites, feathers, mold spores and pet dander. The most common symptoms of allergic rhinitis are itchiness, watery eyes, sneezing, sore throat and stuffy nose. Allergic rhinitis is commonly treated with antihistamines, decongestants and inflammatory sprays.
Allergic asthma is perceived to be a potentially hazardous disease. Once a person with allergic asthma is exposed to offending allergens, breathing difficulty may commence. This is often elicited by allergens such as pollen, spores, mold, feathers, pet dander and cockroach droppings. Allergic asthma is characterized by coughing, wheezing, tightness of the chest and shortness of breath. Bronchodilators are the treatment of choice during allergic asthma attacks. These function to widen the patient's airways and cease sudden attacks.
Skin contact with allergens like poison ivy, skin care products, jewelries and a person's saliva can trigger allergic contact dermatitis. Common symptoms are itchy, dry, red skin patches with blisters. Corticosteriod creams are used to treat the mild forms of contact dermatitis. Oral corticosteroids may be administered for severe cases.
Finally, allergies affect both children and adults. It is observed that adults hardly ever outgrow their allergies completely. However, the symptoms may become lesser and less severe with time. Others also develop allergies as they grow older. The best defense against allergies is through avoidance of the known allergens.
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