Do you have an allergy to cats? This is a big problem if you want to live with these animals and have them as pets. We tell you some alternative approaches for this disorder.
There are a lot of people in the world who have an allergy to cats. Those habitual pets of families all over the world can be a discomfort for their own and others.
Cats are a common source of allergens . This is the name given to the specific proteins that trigger an allergic reaction in susceptible individuals.
The scales detached from the animal's skin are the main source of these. It is what we know as cat dander . The rest of the allergens are found in the animal's saliva and urine. One protein in particular,  Fel d1 , is responsible for 95% of allergies to cats.

What happens to asthmatics and patients with allergic rhinitis?

Immediate hypersensitivity produced by inhaled allergens is very common among children and young adults with asthma and rhinitis. This makes them a sensitive group for cat allergies.
In the case of people who have a susceptibility to cat allergens, their symptoms will be those of allergic rhinitis or asthma. At this point, there will be no difference with the signs that an allergic to other substances suffers.
Cat dander flakes off in the spring and accumulates again in the fall . So seasonal rhythm can be confusing, making differential diagnosis difficult with pollen rhinitis, for example.
This is more profound in younger children with an allergy to cats, since in those older than 4 years the symptoms are milder, although lasting. With older age, the tendency is to lose the predominance of the symptoms by seasons.
It is also true that people living with cats develop tolerance . That is, cat allergy symptoms are minimized over time. There is a process of getting used to the animal's allergen doses.

People with allergic rhinitis constitute a group susceptible to allergies to cats

What are the symptoms of a cat allergy?

Cat allergy shares symptoms with other allergic pathologies. There is runny nose, that is, runny nose. Also stuffy nose with a constant flow of fluid down the throat, known as postnasal drainage.
Sneezing is almost a norm, accompanied by itchy  palates, nose, ears, and eyes . This leads to allergic conjunctivitis and dermatitis, which is located on the face, neck, and lower limbs. Sometimes, the most affected are the areas of the skin in contact with the animal, however, this is not always the case.
The  asthma attacks are an expression of severity of allergy to cats. The bronchi close and the characteristic whistle of the air appears trying to get out. In a person with a history of asthma the picture is worse.

What to do if you have a cat allergy?

The most effective way to control any allergic manifestation, be it rhinitis or asthma, is not to expose yourself to the allergen that triggers it. It is for this reason that the most effective measure to control allergy to cats is to keep animals out of the house . 
Cat allergens are carried on clothing, accumulate on couches, rugs, mattresses, and can also remain in the air for long periods. This is so due to its small size.
Other preventive measures, although recommended, did not prove to be as effective as distancing them from the source of the allergy. Examples of these recommendations are as follows:
  • Use air filters .
  • Aggressively clean carpets, sofas, and beds with HEPA filters.
  • Bathe pets regularly.
  • Change used clothes.
  • Use desensitizing immunotherapy .
Even when cats are removed from the home, allergens persist for many weeks or months , and aggressive cleaning is required to speed up their removal.

Cats are carriers of various allergens, but the largest is found in their dander

It may interest you:  Does chewing gum prevent bad breath?

Are there hypoallergenic cats?

Hypoallergenic cats were once discussed . The reality is that as of today there is no evidence that there are races with more or less allergens . Some researchers have suggested various approaches to creating hypoallergenic cats by removing the Fel d1 protein gene. While some of the strategies are used, they have not yet shown their benefit.

A doctor can help you

If you love cats and do not want to stop living with them, consult a doctor to assess some strategies that reduce exposure. There are alternatives and habits that can be adopted without meaning sudden changes .
In the event of cat allergy symptoms, a health professional may also prescribe medication to control symptoms, such as antihistamines , beta agonists, anti-inflammatories, and specific immunotherapy.
allergy cats Good habits

If you have an allergy to cats, this interests you

Do you have an allergy to cats? This is a big problem if you want to live with these animals and have them as pets. We tell you some alternative approaches for this disorder.
There are a lot of people in the world who have an allergy to cats. Those habitual pets of families all over the world can be a discomfort for their own and others.
Cats are a common source of allergens . This is the name given to the specific proteins that trigger an allergic reaction in susceptible individuals.
The scales detached from the animal's skin are the main source of these. It is what we know as cat dander . The rest of the allergens are found in the animal's saliva and urine. One protein in particular,  Fel d1 , is responsible for 95% of allergies to cats.

What happens to asthmatics and patients with allergic rhinitis?

Immediate hypersensitivity produced by inhaled allergens is very common among children and young adults with asthma and rhinitis. This makes them a sensitive group for cat allergies.
In the case of people who have a susceptibility to cat allergens, their symptoms will be those of allergic rhinitis or asthma. At this point, there will be no difference with the signs that an allergic to other substances suffers.
Cat dander flakes off in the spring and accumulates again in the fall . So seasonal rhythm can be confusing, making differential diagnosis difficult with pollen rhinitis, for example.
This is more profound in younger children with an allergy to cats, since in those older than 4 years the symptoms are milder, although lasting. With older age, the tendency is to lose the predominance of the symptoms by seasons.
It is also true that people living with cats develop tolerance . That is, cat allergy symptoms are minimized over time. There is a process of getting used to the animal's allergen doses.

People with allergic rhinitis constitute a group susceptible to allergies to cats

What are the symptoms of a cat allergy?

Cat allergy shares symptoms with other allergic pathologies. There is runny nose, that is, runny nose. Also stuffy nose with a constant flow of fluid down the throat, known as postnasal drainage.
Sneezing is almost a norm, accompanied by itchy  palates, nose, ears, and eyes . This leads to allergic conjunctivitis and dermatitis, which is located on the face, neck, and lower limbs. Sometimes, the most affected are the areas of the skin in contact with the animal, however, this is not always the case.
The  asthma attacks are an expression of severity of allergy to cats. The bronchi close and the characteristic whistle of the air appears trying to get out. In a person with a history of asthma the picture is worse.

What to do if you have a cat allergy?

The most effective way to control any allergic manifestation, be it rhinitis or asthma, is not to expose yourself to the allergen that triggers it. It is for this reason that the most effective measure to control allergy to cats is to keep animals out of the house . 
Cat allergens are carried on clothing, accumulate on couches, rugs, mattresses, and can also remain in the air for long periods. This is so due to its small size.
Other preventive measures, although recommended, did not prove to be as effective as distancing them from the source of the allergy. Examples of these recommendations are as follows:
  • Use air filters .
  • Aggressively clean carpets, sofas, and beds with HEPA filters.
  • Bathe pets regularly.
  • Change used clothes.
  • Use desensitizing immunotherapy .
Even when cats are removed from the home, allergens persist for many weeks or months , and aggressive cleaning is required to speed up their removal.

Cats are carriers of various allergens, but the largest is found in their dander

It may interest you:  Does chewing gum prevent bad breath?

Are there hypoallergenic cats?

Hypoallergenic cats were once discussed . The reality is that as of today there is no evidence that there are races with more or less allergens . Some researchers have suggested various approaches to creating hypoallergenic cats by removing the Fel d1 protein gene. While some of the strategies are used, they have not yet shown their benefit.

A doctor can help you

If you love cats and do not want to stop living with them, consult a doctor to assess some strategies that reduce exposure. There are alternatives and habits that can be adopted without meaning sudden changes .
In the event of cat allergy symptoms, a health professional may also prescribe medication to control symptoms, such as antihistamines , beta agonists, anti-inflammatories, and specific immunotherapy.

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