Cat Allergies in a Wheezing Infant

Infants with cat allergies are likely to develop wheezing.

Cat allergies in infants are triggered by immune reactions to dander, saliva and urine from cats. Infants with cat allergies may experience traditional allergy symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose and watery eyes. Infants may also experience severe allergic reactions such as asthmatic wheezing, difficulty breathing, coughing and eye swelling. Determining whether your infant is allergic to cats may prove difficult, but with detailed testing, you can effectively treat allergy symptoms as well as create an allergy-free home to prevent chronic allergy problems.

Symptoms

Common cat allergy symptoms in infants include red, itchy, watery eyes; excessive sneezing; a clear, runny nose; and congestion. Symptoms that may accompany wheezing related to cat allergies includes persistent coughing; dark circles under the eyes; a rash; recurrent colds and/or ear infection. According to AskDrSears.com, cat allergies that trigger wheezing symptoms in infants may also lead to aggressive nighttime congestion and coughing.

Treatments

Your pediatrician is likely to recommend over-the-counter antihistamines to relieve mild allergic reactions to cats. For chronic and/or severe allergic problems, your infant may be prescribed stronger antihistamines. According to the BabyCenter medical advisory board, your pediatrician may also try saline nasal sprays and decongestants. Severe cat allergies may lead your pediatrician to refer your infant to a pediatric allergist for skin and blood testing. Pediatric allergists work with parents to determine the cause of all allergic reactions and develop treatment plans to best treat allergy problems. Treatment may include regular allergy shots, allergy proofing your home and prescription medications. Infants with wheezing due to cat allergies may be required to undergo respiratory treatments to improve breathing and prevent bronchial and chest infections.

Prevention/Solution

Many parents assume that by simply removing the cat from their home, the wheezing and allergy problem caused from the pet will be resolved. According to Allergy Be Gone, parents do not realize that cat dander can remain in the home for up to six months. If you cannot give up your family cat, try to keep your pet quarantined to one room in the house. The cat should be kept out of the infant's room at all times. Clean your home regularly to reduce and remove pat dander. AskDrSears.com suggests treating your carpet with allergy control solutions that function by inactivating accumulated dander. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to trap pet allergens and open your home windows regularly to recirculate indoor air.

Considerations

Infants are prone to developing asthma problems as a result of pet allergic reactions such as cat allergies. According to AskDrSears.com, infants with wheezing and asthma induced by pet allergies are best treated by removing the animal from your home. Infants may also need to be restricted from visiting homes where exposure to cats may be possible.

Warning

Cat allergies in infants can trigger severe asthmatic responses such as breathing problems, gasping for breath and wheezing. Closely monitor your infant while allergic asthmatic symptoms are present to ensure adequate breathing. Contact your pediatrician immediately if your infant develops respiratory problems or does not improve with allergy and/or breathing medications.

References

• BabyCenter: Pet Allergies
• AskDrSears.com: Allergies
• Allergy Be Gone: About Pet Dander Allergies