Treatment for a Human Cat Allergy
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, as much as 30 percent of people with allergies have reactions to pets such as dogs and cats. It says that cat allergies are around twice as common as allergies to dogs. The most effective solution is not to have contact with animals. Not everyone who suffers from a cat allergy is willing to give up a beloved pet, though. Other treatments are required if you have a cat allergy but want to keep your pet in the house.
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Symptoms
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Cat dander, a common allergen, causes a number of different symptoms in allergic people, depending on how and where it enters their bodies. Allergens that land on the membranes lining the nose and eyes cause those membranes to itch and swell up. This is responsible for the red, runny eyes and stuffy nose that many people experience during a cat reaction. Cat saliva or a scratch on the skin may cause the area to swell and redden. Inhaled allergens may cause shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing. People with severe sensitivities may also get a rash on their face, neck and chest.
Time Frame
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Many people experience immediate reactions to pet dander, but this isn't true in all cases. If your allergies are relatively mild, you may be able to be exposed to one or more cats for several days before symptoms appear. This can make it much more difficult to determine the causes of your allergy symptoms. If you're suffering from what looks like an allergic reaction, don't just ignore it. See your doctor -- the cause could be something you were exposed to some time before the reaction.
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Prevention
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The main treatments for cat allergies in humans involve reducing exposure to the allergen. Create a "cat free" zone in your bedroom -- after all, this is a space where you spend much of your time. Don't allow your pet on the furniture or in the car, and groom your cat daily to reduce the amount of dander in the house. Vacuum your home on a regular basis, and install a HEPA air purifier to reduce airborne allergens. Wash your hands after handling your cat or anything your cat has touched.
Misconceptions
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Many people with allergies find their friends and family telling them to "just get rid of the cat." The belief that the only solution is to have no pets at all is surprisingly widespread. It's incorrect, though--all but the most severe allergic reactions can be prevented by keeping your home clean and taking the right precautions. Some sufferers even become used to the dander of a particular cat over time, and stop having a reaction to that animal.
Considerations
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If you have allergies, it's important to take them into account when you choose a pet. Some breeds are billed as "hypoallergenic," making them a good choice for allergic owners. Just make sure you meet the cat and spend time with it before you make your choice, though. Even supposedly low-allergen cats can cause a reaction. No one can predict how a given person will react to a given cat. You'll need to experiment before you adopt.
Medication
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If prevention doesn't fully eliminate your allergy symptoms, your doctor may prescribe medication. Treatments for pet allergies may include antihistamines, in the form of nasal sprays and pills; steroids; and immunotherapy, or allergy shots. In most cases, these should be combined with good house cleaning techniques. A combination of immunotherapy and medical symptom control can allow allergic people to continue living with their pets.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit cat 3 image by Dragan Saponjic from Fotolia.com
