A large number of people suffer from such an unpleasant disease as an allergy to cats, the symptoms of which all manifest themselves to varying degrees. Some lovers of these animals believe that short-haired or hairless kittens will not cause an attack, give birth to sphinxes and do not have time to rejoice as an allergy to cats manifests. It turns out that not only animal hair is an allergen, but also many other factors - feline excretion (saliva, urine), dandruff, dead skin flakes. In addition, the animal can bring other pathogens from the street - dust, fluff, pollen. Thus, before you say goodbye to the dream of an affectionate pet, you should find out if this is an allergy to cats, whose symptoms are often similar to those of similar diseases.
One or more signs of the disease appear, for example:
- runny nose, nasal congestion;
- periodic sneezing;
- irritability of the mucosa or lacrimation of the eyes;
- cough, shortness of breath, wheezing (these can also be signs of asthma) ;
- redness and irritation of the skin at the site of cat bites, scratches or after licking.
Symptoms can occur immediately, immediately after contact with the animal, or after some time, so a person can not immediately analyze the situation and conclude that there is an allergy.
If more and more often the thought comes that it is an allergy to cats, the symptoms appear regularly, then you should definitely consult an allergist. Some experts advise to remove the pet from the house for the time of diagnosis and thoroughly wash the apartment from cat secretions, dandruff, fallen wool. If sneezing, coughing and allergic rhinitis continue after a few days , then this is hardly an allergy to cats - the symptoms did not disappear even after lack of contact with the animal. When determining the allergen, you will need to take a blood test and make several skin tests.
Some scientists suggest that parents teach small children to animals, as close contact with an allergen is useful, and in the future, allergies to cats in children may not occur. However, if a child has at least one sign of illness when playing with furry friends, it is better to stop communicating in order to avoid serious consequences. Moreover, children prone to allergies of various kinds should not be in contact with animals.
Treatment is carried out using standard methods, complex and individual, it all depends on how the disease manifests itself:
- the use of antihistamines that block the action of the allergen;
- taking decongestants, as sometimes swelling or stagnation of mucus in the body may appear as a complication;
- in some cases, homeopathy is applied - the patient is prescribed a course of allergen injections, only it should be borne in mind that this method of treatment is long and not always effective. However, it helps some, so doctors do not rule out this possibility.
Almost all allergists consider the lack of contact with cats to be the best way to get rid of this unpleasant disease. If for some reason you still have to communicate with the animal, it is better to prepare for the meeting in advance.
When visiting guests with a cat, try not to touch the animal at all. If you have a long rest, you should ask the owners in advance so that animals do not enter the room reserved for the guest. You can also take special anti-allergenic drugs, which can be prescribed by an allergist or dermatologist. Apply them regularly.
You must always keep your condition under control in order to avoid the development of more serious diseases.