Cat Allergies & Claritin

Some people are allergic to cats.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, up to 30 percent of Americans have some sort of allergic reaction to dogs or cats, with cat allergies being twice as common. The doctors' best advice is to avoid living with or to give up the cause of the problem. However, animal lovers are more willing to cope with the consequences in order to co-exist with their feline companions. Those who are allergic should be educated about cat allergies and coping mechanisms. There are many options to control symptoms, including the antihistamine medication Claritin.

Allergy Basics

An allergy is an oversensitivity of the immune system to normally harmless environmental substances, considered "allergens." The body reacts to the particular foreign allergen in a variety of ways. Mild allergies trigger the body's need to remove the substance, resulting in sneezing; itchy, watery eyes; coughing or wheezing. Severe allergic reactions can involve a life-threatening inflammatory or anaphylactic response resulting in swelling or constriction of the airways. Claritin can help prevent the mild symptoms, but is not a treatment for severe symptoms.

Cat Allergens

There are five known proteins, or allergens, produced by cats. These allergens are secreted in the saliva or urine, or shed in the cat's dander. Allergens are not caused by the fur, as some might think. However, the dander and saliva tend to collect and reside on the cat's coat. These allergens are hard to eliminate because they are sticky and spread easily. When airborne, they can remain suspended for a long time.

Coping Methods

The best way to eliminate the symptoms of cat allergies is to remove the cat, or to remove oneself from the area occupied by the cat. Those not willing to do so can try other measures to reduce symptoms. For those who want a medical treatment, over-the-counter antihistamines such as Claritin might be the answer.

However, pet dander is everywhere, so thorough and frequent cleaning of all carpet and upholstery in the house is necessary. Hardwood floors are better for keeping dander at a minimum. HEPA air filters can remove some allergens from the air, and washing the pet might keep down the dander shedding.

Antihistamines

Claritin products are over-the-counter antihistamines that inhibit the release of histamines by acting on the H1 histamine receptor. Histamines are proteins that are produced during the immune response to the cat allergen, and they are responsible for the unpleasant allergy symptoms. In addition to pet dander, Claritin provides relief from other indoor and outdoor allergies. It is taken once daily.

Warnings

If deciding to use Claritin or another antihistamine, be sure to read the labels and directions thoroughly. Take as directed and do not overdose. According to Drugs.com, side effects can include drowsiness, headache, and dry mouth.

References

• "Drugs.com": Claritin
• "Claritin": Pet Dander
• "AAFA": Pet Allergies