Colleen F Finnegan asked:


In Part 1:  Understanding the Allergy Basics of the Allergy Control Products series on “The Secret to Living with Allergies,” the differences between seasonal allergies and indoor allergies were covered as well as diagnosing allergy triggers, the causes of allergy symptoms and important steps to take to find allergy relief.  In indoor allergies, the top three allergen sources include dust mite allergens, molds and pet dander.  Although some allergy sources are harder to identify, pet allergies may often be self-evident as contact with the animal or pet can cause obvious allergy symptoms.  What may not be as well known is what causes pet allergies, as it is not actually the pet hair that is at the root of the problem.  In Part 2 of the Allergy Control Products “The Secret to Living with Allergies” series, what causes pet allergies and steps to reduce allergy symptoms related to pet allergies will be covered.

Step 1:  Learn the Facts About Pet Allergies that Cause Your Allergy Symptoms

Many people believe that what causes pet allergies is the pet hair, but the allergy-causing material is instead a protein found in the animal’s dander (made up of flaky skin cells and dried saliva), saliva or urine that triggers allergic reactions.  These pet allergy particles are particularly small and your allergy symptoms begin as they are inhaled into the nose and lungs or come in contact with your eyes.  In some cases, your allergic reaction may build up and occur hours after you come in contact with an animal.  However, most often, an allergic reaction and the resulting allergy symptoms happen very quickly (within minutes).  

Since all dogs or cats produce animal dander, unfortunately, none are hypoallergenic.  Some animals may produce less dander and people with pet allergies may be more sensitive to some breeds than others.  Symptoms of pet allergies can include sneezing, itchy eyes or nose, runny nose or nasal congestion and contact-induced rash or itching.  For asthma sufferers, allergic reactions such as wheezing, shortness of breath and lung congestion can bring about even severe asthma symptoms.

Pet allergens (pet dander) are the highest in homes with pets, however, pet allergens can be found even in places where pets are not allowed.  Pet dander is very sticky and can travel on clothing to public places.  Pet dander can remain allergenic and cause allergy symptoms for long periods of time and important steps, covered in Step 3, should be taken to reduce contact with pet allergens. 

Step 2:  Millions Suffer from Pet Allergies, with Cat Allergies Being the Most Common Pet Allergy

Although many animals (from birds to horse to dogs) can cause pet allergies, the most common pet allergy is to cats.  Cat allergy may be more predominant due to a higher potency of cat dander as an allergen or the fact that cats are not bathed as frequently as dogs and do more self-grooming, further increasing the presence of saliva and pet dander that leads to allergy symptoms.  According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), approximately 10 percent of Americans may be allergic to animals.   Of these allergy sufferers, many may have asthma and 20 to 30 percent of asthma sufferers have pet allergies.  These asthma sufferers include kids with childhood asthma.  The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) explains that allergic asthma (caused by allergens such as dust mites, cat and dog dander and other environmental allergens) is the most common form of asthma in children.

Taking important steps to control pet allergies can lead to a healthier life for you and your children and potentially avoid instances in which severe asthma or allergy reactions may take place.

Step 3:  What to Do for Pet Allergy Relief

If you have pet allergies and there is a pet in the home, it may be necessary to find a new home for the pet.  This step can be difficult to do and the necessity may be dependent on the severity of your allergic reaction.  If your pet stays at home, the pet must be kept out of the allergy sufferer’s bedroom and you should wash hands or clothing after any contact.  In either instance, cleaning steps throughout the home should be undertaken as it is important to get rid of pet allergens or keep levels as low as possible. 

For effective pet allergy relief, begin with cleaning steps in your bedroom.  Create a barrier between yourself and pet allergens that have accumulated in your bed by covering pillows, mattress and other bedding in allergy-proof bed encasings.  Wash your linens and any other bedding frequently, and even consider replacing bedding items.  The carpet can be the second largest allergy-causing source after the bed, and removing or treating the carpet will reduce your continued exposure to allergens that have built up in the soft carpet surface.  Vacuum any remaining carpet regularly, and it is particularly important to use a HEPA filtration vacuum, as these vacuums are designed to contain small allergy particles such as pet dander.  Air filters in your vents will keep pet allergy particles from circulating in the home, and special filters over an air vent in the bedroom provides an extra level of filtration in the allergy sufferer’s bedroom.

Using HEPA air cleaners or HEPA air purifiers can be particularly good for people with pet allergies, as the tiny pet allergy particle stays in the air for longer periods of time.  The HEPA air filter has a better chance to capture these particles before they settle to the ground, for improved air cleaning.  Give your pet frequent baths to help remove dander on the surface of skin or fur and reduce your pet’s need to groom itself.

Jack Sands asked:


Food allergies are a common problem in kids. Nearly two million children have food allergies in the United States. Some food allergies are life threatening, even if the food is taken in very little quantity. Peanut tops the list of notorious foods which cause allergies. Following it are milk, especially cow’s milk, soy, eggs, wheat, seafood and other nuts.

Food allergies are caused when the immune system is confused. The job of the immune system is to protect the body from diseases, bacteria, viruses and germs. The antibodies produced by the immune system helps to fight these minute external organisms which makes the person sick. But if the body is allergic to certain food, the immune system mistakes the food to a harmful foreign substance and takes action towards it thinking that it is dangerous to the body. The body acts adversely, when it isn’t supposed to do so.

When the immune system detects allergic substance, the antibodies produce mast cells. They are a kind of immune system cell which release a chemicals, such as histamine, in the bloodstream. These chemicals affect the respiratory system, digestive system, nose, eyes, throat, and skin. Initial symptoms are runny nose, tingling sensation in the lips or tongue, and itchy skin rash like hives. The reaction can be mild to severe and depends on every individual. The symptoms can appear right after the food is consumed or after few hours. Other symptoms are cough, wheezing, nausea, hoarse voice, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach ache, and throat tightness.

A sudden and harsh allergic reaction is known as anaphylaxis. The patient encounters many problems, all at once which involve blood vessels, the heart, digestion, breathing, and skin. The blood pressure drops very steeply, the tongue swells and there is swelling in the breathing tubes. Patients who have such allergic reactions should be ready to handle emergencies. They should always carry some type of medicine which will help to combat or reduce the adverse affect of the food.

Most of the times, it is very easy to detect the cause of food allergy. Problems such as hives begin to surface as soon as the child eats the substance he is allergic to. At other times, it becomes very difficult to determine the cause of allergy. In such cases, everything should be observed under close surveillance. Food items which are made out of many ingredients should be thoroughly checked for the allergic cause. Most of the times, allergies are inherited from other family members or other kids born with food allergies. Changes in the surroundings and the body play a major role in these kinds of cases. Some of the kids aren’t actually allergic to the food and show only mild reaction. Like people who are lactose intolerant suffer from diarrhea and belly pain after consuming milk and diary products. This is not an indication that the child is allergic to milk. This reaction happens because their body is incapable of breaking down the sugars which are found in diary products and milk.

If the conditions are severe, a doctor should be consulted immediately. If food allergy is diagnosed, the doctor refers to an allergy specialist. The doctor asks questions like eating patterns, past allergic reactions and the time period between the consumption of food and the surfacing of the symptoms. The specialist can also ask about allergy related conditions like asthma or eczema and whether allergic reactions are hereditary. Usually skin test and blood test is done to test the antibodies and the reaction they have on the skin when it is exposed to the allergic substance. 

Kids who are allergic to egg and milk outgrow them as the age progresses. But allergies which are severe and are related to items such as peanut, shrimps, and some kind of fish, last for a lifetime. Other than food, children can be allergic to certain medicines and flower pollen. The best way to avoid allergies is to avoid the cause of it. No specific medicine has been developed for the cure of allergies.

Cantrelle asked:


I have never had allergies to any animals (especially cats, since I’ve always had a cat my whole life). But recently I get itchy eyes and a dry throat and some sneezing when I’m around my 2 cats. When I leave the room, I feel better. Possible allergies? Can they develop only when pregnant?

Pablo asked:


I have lots of allergies, especially in my eyes. Am mainly allergic to dust and dust mite. Will a sleep mask offer any kind of relief for these kinds of allergies. If so, what kind of material should i get the sleep mask and where can i buy one?

Thank YOU in advance.
am already taking otc eye drops, i just want to really know if a sleep mask can help in any way at all.

ANGRY CLAUSE asked:


Okay, I’ve eaten nuts my entire life (peanuts, almonds, cashews, walnuts, etc.) and up until yesterday I didn’t think I had any food allergies. Then I ate a Brazilian nut, and my throat and lips swelled and I had to go to the hospital.

The doctors there told me I shouldn’t eat any more nuts. Is that logical? Should I really stop eating all nuts, even though this one nut is the only one that’s caused an allergic reaction? Is it possible that this reaction could trigger allergic reactions to other nuts?

no name asked:


Would a bichon frise dog be a good dog for someone who has allergies? My older brother has the allergies. Feel free to recommend any other breed.

Or would these be okay to have to???

Water dog
poodle
irish terrier
and do they shed alot???

girl9 asked:


my niece is going to be staying with me for a while. she has allergies to

shellfish
poultry
red meat
saturated fats
nitrates
sulfites
wheat
starch
msg
dairy
and of lastly, nuts.

i am at a loss of what to fee this child. please help. thanks.

Scaredy Kat asked:


My cat has been sneezing all day, poor guy. Is it possible that he’s got allergies? And yes– I have taken him to the vet about this (probably a year ago) but the vet didn’t think there was anything wrong with him. My cat stopped with the sneezing fits shortly after seeing the vet, but now he’s doing it again. Any ideas what it might be?
Thanks for the help. He’s strictly and indoor cat, and he’s been sickly his entire life, so I watch him like a hawk. Cowgirl– I didn’t even think about the dust from all my packing! I do have an indoor air purifier– I’ll turn it on ‘high’ to see if that helps him!

jane asked:


I’m concerned about my small child. We are going to an allergist because of a peanut allergy - but I don’t want her to be stuck with several needles. How far has modern technology/medicine come as far as testing for allergies is concerned. What is the least invasive technique?

Smiling Star asked:


My 12 year old daughter has been dianosed having Asthma.