home Endocrinology Unpleasant symptoms of an allergy to cat fur: signs and photos. Cat dander allergy symptoms

Unpleasant symptoms of an allergy to cat fur: signs and photos. Cat dander allergy symptoms

Allergy to animals

There are cases when, upon contact with a pet, it occurs on animal hair, the symptoms of which are quite unpleasant. According to statistical studies, the problem of such a plan is quite common. 15% of the residents were diagnosed with an allergic reaction in direct contact with animals.

It is worth understanding the main manifestations of such a reaction, learning how to avoid or minimize unpleasant manifestations.

Causes of Allergy to Animal Fur

The main reason that unpleasant symptoms occur is not in the animal's hair, but in the proteins that animals secrete. Specific proteins can be found in urine, saliva, and wool. No matter how fluffy your pet is, the body will react. This is really dangerous, because often the owners are carriers of allergens without even knowing it.

So, what causes an allergic reaction:

small parts of the skin. While washing, brushing a pet cleared of dead particles. They remain on the furniture, floor;
in the urine and saliva of the pet there is a protein that provokes the occurrence of allergies;
it should also be emphasized that cats with long hair can transfer allergens with wool. This applies to pollen.

Allergy symptoms

It is important to know how an allergy to animals manifests itself in order to distinguish these manifestations from others:

a person has swelling of the face, eyes;
the eyes turn red, the patient feels severe itching integuments, plentiful allocation of tears;
a person often sneezes, stuffy nose, suffers from rhinitis;
breathing is mostly difficult, there is suffocation, shortness of breath.

Important! The duration of attacks of this kind is different; it is impossible to designate a specific period of time. It can be a few hours, or last for six months.

This is a rather serious phenomenon, it is not always possible to cope on your own. It is important to ask for help qualified specialist. In the worst case, this condition can develop into bronchial asthma.

appear to a greater or lesser extent. The most common with allergies to cat hair are symptoms of frequent sneezing, wheezing, shortness of breath, frequent cough. In addition, there are:

rash and itching of the skin;
swelling of the nasopharynx, runny nose;
profuse flow of tears.

If an allergy to cat hair is found, then the symptoms in children appear slightly stronger than in adult patients. This is explained weak immunity resulting in allergic rhinitis, or bronchial asthma.

Types of allergic reaction

To determine the cause of the reaction, you can also go through blood donation, or a skin test. Thus, you will know for sure what provoked the onset of the disease.

In addition to a cat or dog, cows, mice, and other pets can cause such a reaction. You should focus on the most common problem - an allergic reaction to dogs and cats.

Cats are more allergenic than dogs. After all, the saliva of cats that remains on their fur is a fairly powerful allergen. Wool often remains on upholstered furniture or carpet.

It is important to know which cats do not cause allergies in humans. After all certain types animals get along well with allergy sufferers. These are hypoallergenic cats, which are less allergenic compared to ordinary animals. Often unscrupulous sellers take advantage of people's naivety by advertising cats as completely safe pets. Cornish cat- Rex sheds less compared to the British, fluffy favorite.

Important! Animals that are light in color do not have this a large number of allergens compared to dark felines. Gender is also important. Cats are not as allergenic as cats.

Allergy to dog hair

Allergy to animal dogs should be considered in more detail, as well as the symptoms and treatment for this disease. When choosing, look for breeds that have a hard coat. Smaller breeds, such as the Toy Terrier, produce less allergens.

Often there is a recommendation about a little time with the animal before buying. This will help determine if you have an allergy or not. The disadvantage of this method is that one puppy may produce one amount of allergens, another a completely different amount. The human immune system produces during a collision with an allergen. With the second time of the collision, she is more prepared, ready to fight.

Preventive measures

Diagnosis is necessary if you have found an allergy to animals in children, you have symptoms that accompany the disease. In the event that this suspicion is confirmed, then it is necessary to understand the severity, further actions.

Scientists are constantly conducting experiments to find out the fight against allergies. About 13% of people eventually get cured with a placebo. So people show up own example that the immune system responds normally to contact with the allergen over time.

There are different ways to overcome unpleasant symptoms.

You can give your pet in good hands to other animal lovers.
Specialists distinguish separately a therapeutic course using injections.
Separately, it is worth dwelling on the third way to solve the problem. It is important to bathe your pet more often. Minimum number water procedures should be done once. The water temperature should not exceed 38 degrees. When immersing, consider the duration of the procedure - no more than three minutes. Then the procedure is repeated. These actions help reduce the likelihood of allergies by 80%. Can be purchased special shampoo, which reduces the amount of allergens on wool. You should not let the animal on the bed, sleep with him if you are allergic;

It is worth paying attention to the filler for the tray. After all, it must have good quality characteristics, in particular, this applies to absorption and not spilling. In the event that the filler does not meet the basic criteria, then the allergens will spread throughout the apartment.

Plush pillows, other soft products collect a huge amount of allergens, wool. It's better to get rid of them. Animal nutrition is important. In case of problems in the area genitourinary system, or intestines, the number of allergens increases several times.

As a preventive measure, do more frequent wet cleaning of the room. Use . Its use helps reduce the amount of allergens in your environment.

Enough frequent occurrence when the owner gets used to the animal so much that he gets rid of negative symptoms on his own. Over time, the immune system gets used to, produces special antibodies.

Cat breeds that do not cause allergies

There are seven main allergy-free cats of the breed. Focus on them before getting a cat.

The long-haired Balinese breed produces the least amount of specific proteins. This optimal choice when buying a cat.
Fairly easy to use oriental, in a different way oriental shorthair breed. To further reduce the risk of allergic symptoms You should brush your pets regularly.
To the list of cats causing allergies people carry javanese. This is a Javanese breed that has a medium length coat. Due to the fact that there is no undercoat, the coat does not tolerate such a large amount of specific proteins and does not fall off.
Easy care for the Devon Rex. This breed has a short and sparse coat. The only condition, do not forget about regular cleaning of the ears, paw pads. The regularity of their bathing is carried out less times compared to sphinxes.
The answer to the question of which cats are not allergic is the Cornish Rex. This cat breed is characterized by difficulty in care. This applies to the regular bathing procedure, which helps to get rid of the secret.
A striking example of non-allergenic cats is the hairless Sphynx. The difficulty lies in the content of the animal. They are characterized by frequent baths to remove the secret.
Long and fluffy hair is observed in Siberian cats. According to statistical studies, it was found that 75% of people who suffer from allergies do not have characteristic symptoms for this breed.

How to avoid wool allergies

In order to minimize negative impact on the human body when reacting with a pet, certain recommendations should be followed:

eliminate dust collectors. Their list includes old carpets, soft products. When decorating a room, use them in a minimal amount;
should be clearly defined where pet. It's about, for example, about sleeping only in your own place, not in your bed;
minimize contact with animals. After that, it is mandatory to wash your hands;
do wet cleaning. This is airing, a regular floor washing procedure.

Allergy treatment

Should be used A complex approach. Use with doctor's permission antihistamines. They help stop development inflammatory process gradually eliminate it. Their use helps in blocking the action of histamine.

During copious excretion tears, redness use decongestant drops. To relieve unpleasant irritation, get rid of rashes and itching of the skin, ointments and special creams are used. With regular use, a beneficial effect is visible, safe and fast healing skin covers.

Contribute to the removal of allergens from the body using sorbents. They are able to eliminate the root cause of its occurrence.

Important! Attention should be paid to the manifestation characteristic symptoms for allergies. Symptoms of this disease in their manifestations may resemble a cold. It is worth seeking help, consulting a specialist for an accurate diagnosis of the disease.

Medical professionals emphasize the importance proper treatment. You should not self-medicate, because it is fraught with serious consequences.

To date, it has not been possible to completely cure an allergic reaction, both in children and in adults. But apart from that, there are many ways to make your life easier.

Using certain tips, you will reduce symptomatic signs, you will enjoy the company of your beloved pet.

Folk recipes

For allergic reactions, a series is often used. She has established herself as effective remedy that fights all kinds of allergies. For several months, you can take tea from a series. It is important to take small breaks when using.

One teaspoon is brewed in one glass of water. The tea is infused for half an hour, after which it can be consumed. Golden color is the best healing decoction. When acquiring a green or cloudy shade, drinking tea is not recommended. Dry grass is more effective than tea in briquettes.

Healing infusion is also used to eliminate skin rashes, minimizing itching. After wetting, the skin should not be wiped. The skin should absorb the infusion on its own.

The drugs are really effective means in the fight against allergic manifestations. The plant contains ascorbic acid, which stimulates the functional work of the adrenal glands. This component has a positive effect on metabolic processes.

A fairly common problem today is an allergic reaction to animals. When choosing a pet, you should pay attention to breeds - not allergens, as well as a certain list of recommendations. By adhering to them, you minimize the manifestations of an allergic reaction, reduce unpleasant symptomatic manifestations.

Now a huge number of people are facing. Unpleasant symptoms of this kind can be caused by a variety of particles, both food and external substances - dust, pollen, cosmetical tools etc. Allergy can bring a lot of inconvenience, both to the patient himself and to his family members. After all, if among relatives there is someone with an increased tendency to allergies, it is difficult to predict which substances can cause manifestations of intolerance in him. So, an allergy to animal hair is considered a fairly common nuisance, the symptoms and treatment of which, as well as the causes, will now be considered in a little more detail.

Why does an allergy to animal hair occur, what are the reasons for this?

Unfortunately, scientists cannot exactly answer the question of why the body reacts especially aggressively to animals. But experts have found that allergies do not occur directly to wool, but to proteins. sebaceous glands animals. It is they who have recently been called as the cause of an allergy to animal hair. They can be found on wool, and in saliva, and in animal excrement. Such pathogens are characterized by a particularly small size, respectively, they can spread both through the air and together with the saliva of pets.

After dead cells get on the surface of the skin or in Airways humans, they can cause severe allergic reactions. Allergy to animals can be triggered by contact with feathers, sheep wool, camel wool products, rodent waste products (mice, hamsters or rats). Sometimes unpleasant symptoms occur when in contact with waste products and particles of cockroaches. Even pet owners are sources of allergens that come to them from their pets.

Symptoms of an Allergy to Animal Fur

Allergy to animal hair can manifest itself in various health disorders. Patients often have a rash on the skin, which can have a different appearance. Such a symptom is often accompanied by a pronounced one.
A common manifestation of an allergy to animals is a dry cough and runny nose, but the temperature does not rise.
In some cases, patients are concerned about the itching of the mucous membranes - the eyes and nose. They can also be observed, as well as other organs.

In addition, allergy to animals often makes itself felt by dysfunctions. respiratory system. Pathological processes can cause a short-term form of an asthmatic attack: a pronounced dry cough, and shortness of breath. The voice of such patients becomes hoarse, they are worried about perspiration. Difficulty breathing may also be observed, which is explained. It rarely occurs.

Pathological processes with allergies to wool can lead to the development of and. Happens much less frequently.

If contact with an aggressive substance was single, unpleasant symptoms can last for three to four hours. It is extremely rare that the deterioration of well-being lasts longer.

How is an allergy to animal hair corrected, what treatment is effective?

The only way to prevent a wool allergy is to avoid contact with animals. Other methods of therapy can only reduce the frequency and severity of exacerbations. Patients with this problem should also be careful when communicating with relatives and friends who have cats or dogs in the house.

For wool allergies, patients are usually prescribed nasal aerosols. Such funds well relieve swelling of the tissues of the nasopharynx, cope with congestion and runny nose. In addition, eliminate unpleasant symptoms it is possible by taking antihistamine drugs: Astelin, Flonase, Loratadin and Cirtec.
It is worth noting that such drugs are completely unable to cope with the root cause of the development of the disease.

If allergic diseases are especially pronounced and cause the patient severe inconvenience, he is prescribed corticosteroid drugs. These drugs are used short course, and only under the supervision of a doctor, because they can cause unpleasant side effects.

Allergies to animals often result in allergic symptoms. bronchial asthma. Treatment for allergies to animal hair with such manifestations is already anti-asthmatic medicines.

The doctor may also prescribe decongestants. Such medicines help to cope with the stagnation of mucus and swelling of the mucous membranes, as well as the skin. The drugs of choice are usually Allegra-D, as well as Sudafed.

Among other things, many patients with allergies are recommended to take a course of antiallergic injections. This method takes a minimum of time, but rarely gives a pronounced and persistent positive effect.

The only one modern method An allergy treatment that has been proven to work is immunotherapy. The patient is given small doses allergen under the skin. After such treatment, the corresponding antibodies begin to be produced in the patient's body, they will be able to prevent allergies over time.

If allergy symptoms appear after contact with animals and their waste products, you should consult an allergist.

Alternative treatment from allergies to animal hair folk remedies

Dealing with pet allergies is not easy. But it is possible to alleviate the unpleasant symptoms with such a violation with the help of means traditional medicine.

Allergic patients are often advised to take celery-based medicines. Clean and wash the root of this vegetable. Pass it through a meat grinder and squeeze the resulting mass through cheesecloth. Take the resulting juice, one to two teaspoons twice or thrice a day. It is best to take it about half an hour before a meal.

You can also pour a couple of tablespoons of crushed fresh dandelion roots into a glass cold water. Infuse this medicine for two hours, then strain. Take the finished drink in a third of a glass three times a day. It is best to take it shortly before a meal.

To cope with allergies, especially with rashes on the skin, will help deaf nettle (Lamb nettle). A tablespoon of the dried flowers of this plant, brew a glass of boiling water. Infuse such a remedy well wrapped for half an hour. Strain the finished medicine and take it in half a glass four to five times a day. You can also take a glass three times a day.

Wonderful healing effect with allergies, it gives medication from a series. For external use, you need to brew three tablespoons of dried herbs with one glass of boiling water. Infuse this medicine for a quarter of an hour, then strain. Use ready-made infusion for skin treatment. But do not rub the medicine, the liquid should be absorbed.

You can also prepare tea from a string to treat allergies. Brew a teaspoon of dried raw materials with a glass of boiling water. After ten minutes, strain and drink at a time. Take several times a day, replacing both tea and coffee with such a drink.

You can also grind fifty grams of string, pour it with half a liter vegetable oil. Place such a remedy in a water bath and simmer for ten hours. Cooked oil decoction strain and use to apply to the skin.

To eliminate unpleasant symptoms on the skin, you can also use a mixture of ten grams oak bark and the same number of ivy leaves. Brew the prepared collection with a liter of boiling water and leave for ten minutes to infuse. Ready infusion use for lotions.

Yarrow will also help to cope with an allergy to wool. You can brew a tablespoon of dried herb with one cup of boiling water. Infuse the medicine for forty-five minutes, then strain. Take the finished infusion for a third of a glass three times a day.

Yarrow can also be used to make a decoction. Brew a tablespoon of herbs with a glass of boiling water and boil over a fire of minimum power for ten minutes. Strain the resulting composition and take it in a third of a glass twice or thrice a day shortly before a meal.

In fact, allergies that occur when in contact with animals are not uncommon, but rather common. Both children and adults can face this problem. To successfully eliminate it, it is best to seek the advice of a doctor.

Allergy is a problem for many modern people. Some allergy sufferers may not even notice the course of the allergy, but in others, the reaction is so obvious that it can be life-threatening. When a foreign antigen enters the human body, a distorted immune response. This state and is called an allergy. One of the most common is allergy to sheep wool. From the above, we can conclude that the wool itself can be absolutely nothing to do with.

Why does this disease occur?

Sheep wool in pure form rarely causes an allergic reaction. This disease can manifest itself due to poorly cleaned wool. For example, in a blanket or pillows made of this material, there may be particles of the epidermis, urine or saliva of an animal. This indicates that skin contact with an animal is not necessary for the manifestation of an allergy to sheep's wool. A person who is prone to allergies is also considered a carrier of the disease. Being close to other allergy sufferers, you need to be careful, as this disease is airborne. by drip. Small particles fly in the air and can be absorbed by absolutely anyone. You need to remember these causes of sheep wool allergy and beware of them so as not to make the situation worse.

How to identify a tendency to allergies?

The possibility of developing an allergy directly depends on a person's predisposition to this disease. This can be determined different ways. For example, the genetic factor. If you analyze your entire pedigree, then for sure there will be relatives prone to allergies. But this does not mean that it is inherited - only a predisposition, that is, the body will be prone to an aggressive response to foreign chemical substances, and the sheep itself will begin to develop only under the influence of the environment.

The manifestation of allergies

Few people know how an allergy to sheep's wool manifests itself, so let's try to find out. There are times when the disease can make itself felt after two years, but there are also instant manifestations. They are expressed in nasal congestion, sneezing, tearing, asthmatic attacks. Allergies can also appear due to clothing that is made on the basis of sheep's wool. Allergy sufferers who have already encountered this problem probably know what is best to combine different types wool and manifestations of allergies to pass.

Symptoms of an allergy to sheep's wool:

Puffiness of the eyelids, tearing of the eyes, allergic conjunctivitis.
Plethora of skin, strong.
Small .
Rash in the form of blisters.
Atopic dermatitis.
Neurodermatitis.
Watery nasal discharge.
Sneezing.
Dry .
Signs of bronchial asthma.

What to do if an allergy occurs?

Mostly folk methods are to get used to the causative agent of allergies. In the process, upon contact with the allergen, the human body adapts and stops producing defensive reactions. But this method is not suitable for everyone. In particular, children who are at the stage of immunity formation will not be able to use this method of treatment, they will only have to use medications.

Allergy to animal hair (epidermal allergy) in its pure form is quite rare.

Most often, this term classifies an acute reaction resulting from the action of an allergic protein contained in the animal's waste products (urine, excrement, saliva, sweat secretions, etc.).

In the event that a true allergic reaction to wool is diagnosed, it can be provoked not only by animals, but also by all objects where the allergen is present, i.e. clothing, bedding, etc.

As a rule, patients suffering from this type of disease are well aware of how wool allergy manifests itself and what actions need to be taken to stop it. acute attack. However, it is impossible to predict the development of an allergic reaction, therefore, at the first negative symptoms required immediate appeal to the doctor.

Types of allergies

There are several forms allergic manifestations:

ON CAT WOOL. Wool is not main reason the occurrence of allergic reactions, because the main allergen are secretory proteins salivary glands and skin. And given that cats are very clean and thoroughly clean their hair, licking it, they actively carry allergens. An interesting fact is that cats produce much less allergens, unlike males.

In addition to saliva, a large amount of protein allergens is excreted in feces and urine, which is why it is so important to clean the trays where the pet defecates several times a day. Allergy to cat hair is accompanied by symptoms that are present in all types of this disease, where the first allergic manifestation is characterized by allergic rhinitis And frequent sneezing which is often misdiagnosed as SARS.

In addition, many patients believe that manifestations of allergies to cat hair can be avoided if you have hairless breeds of animals (Sphinx, Levkoy, etc.). Of course, for allergy sufferers, cats that do not have a coat are preferable, but only if an allergy to cat hair is directly diagnosed. In other cases, such animals can cause an equally acute reaction due to the allergenicity of the skin and saliva.

ON THE DOG'S WOOL. Allergies to dog fur are much less common than cat allergies. Most often, a negative reaction is provoked by short-haired breeds of dogs, no matter how strange it may seem. However, this fact is explained quite simply: the main part of the allergens is localized precisely in the skin of the dog.

ON THE CAMEL'S WOOL. An allergy to camel hair is observed through contact with an animal or as a result of the use of clothing and other products (carpets, belts, blankets, etc.). It is characteristic that in hot countries, a camel (unlike northerners) provokes allergic reactions much less often.

A powerful rejection reaction can be provoked by a protein present in the animal’s body and the smallest fibers of woolen products, which, with minimal contact with the mucous membranes, skin and respiratory tract, can activate the response immune system.

ON SHEEP'S WOOL. Allergy to sheep's wool in its pure form is very rare. First of all, poorly cleaned or not cleaned animal hair, for example, knitting threads, blankets and pillows, blankets, etc., causes rejection. The presence of microparticles of saliva, urine or epidermis in these things is enough to provoke an allergy attack.

In addition, it is important to remember that sheep wool allergy can be transmitted by airborne droplets, when microparticles of allergens are transmitted to a person with air currents, even in the absence of direct contact with a pet.

Symptoms of the disease

An unpleasant feature of allergic manifestations on animal hair is addiction to the allergen (sensitization). For example, in a patient who has been living with a pet for a long time, an allergic attack suddenly occurs, which can be neutralized on its own. However, the disappearance of acute symptoms does not mean that the allergy has receded. For her complete cure the help of highly qualified specialists is required.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction to wool are characterized by the following manifestations:

frequent sneezing, separation of mucus from the nose and watery eyes;
hyperemia in the eye area, unbearable itching;
wheezing and difficult breathing;
cough and severe shortness of breath, which can sometimes be accompanied by suffocation;
the appearance of a small punctate rash and swelling of the tissues.

IN severe cases allergies are possible dangerous complications like Quincke's edema and anaphylactic shock. Both of these conditions require urgent measures, as they threaten the life of the patient, especially in childhood when the symptoms can increase rapidly, and the immune system, due to its immaturity, is not able to cope with them.

The manifestation of allergies in childhood

Negative symptoms in children can occur within 10 minutes from the start of contact with an animal or with objects containing allergens. Children under the age of five suffer from wool allergies much more often.

Symptoms of an acute allergic attack are as follows:

first, the skin turns red and a small punctate rash appears;
swelling of the mucous membranes is noted;
lacrimation and separation of contents from the nose;
spasmodic cough and shortness of breath;
body temperature rises;

lethargy or, conversely, increased excitability may be observed;
the baby cries and refuses to eat.

In newborns, an allergic reaction can manifest itself in the form atopic dermatitis. If these symptoms develop, immediate medical attention is required. medical care. Otherwise, severe consequences, up to death, are possible.

Allergy diagnostics

Diagnosis, first of all, is based on the collection of anamnesis, visual examination and examination of the patient's living quarters.

At the first appointment, the doctor finds out the patient's allergological status (genetic tendency to develop various types of allergies). Then information about the animal that is present in the house is specified (feeding, maintenance, care, etc.).

Allergic diagnosis is performed by conducting a blood test for the content of group E immunoglobulins in it. In addition, if necessary, it is prescribed skin test to identify a dangerous allergen. According to the results of the diagnosis, adequate treatment is prescribed.

Medical therapeutic measures

Many patients quite often at the appointment with an allergist ask questions about how to get rid of allergies with the help of medications?

At easy course allergies, simply limiting contact with allergens is sufficient. With pronounced symptoms, the doctor selects an individual treatment strategy:

as a rule, antihistamines are prescribed (Zodak, Erius, Loratadine tablets, etc.), which relieve swelling, itching and redness of the skin;
nasal sprays are prescribed to relieve rhinitis (Nazol, Azmacort, etc.);
enterosorbents are prescribed to remove toxic substances (Laktafiltrum, Enterosgel, etc.);
in severe cases, treatment with glucocorticosteroid drugs (Prednisolone, Hydrocortisone, etc.), which have a strong anti-allergic effect, is recommended. However, it should be remembered that steroid drugs can only be used under the supervision of a physician. The drugs in this group have powerful side effects.

With the development primary signs, which characterizes an allergy to animal hair, it is necessary to start therapy, especially in children early age, since it is impossible to predict the development of symptoms in them (it can be delayed, or a sharp and rapid increase in symptoms is possible).

The most dangerous emergency conditions which must be dealt with immediately. If the patient is suffocating, and his face swells right in front of others, it is necessary to urgently call ambulance because delay threatens the life of the patient.

Preventive actions

A huge benefit of dealing with allergies is compliance preventive measures which include:

Daily wet cleaning in the room where the animal lives.
Timely treatment of chronic diseases;
Strengthening the immune forces of the body.
Hardening and dosed physical activity.
Vitamin therapy.
Timely processing and washing of things where the presence of allergens is possible.
Limiting contact with animals (in especially severe cases, you will have to part with the pet, finding new owners for it).

It must be remembered that before you get a pet, you should consider possible appearance allergies, which latent course can develop into a chronic process.

To avoid such consequences, it is necessary to cope with the disease in close cooperation with the attending physician. Moreover, it is not recommended to self-treatment because unpredictable consequences are possible.

Allergy is an inadequate reaction of the body to a variety of simple substances which he perceives as hostile.

The immune system forms a response, which is expressed in sneezing, coughing, tearing, swelling of the mucous membranes.

A large number of people suffer from allergies, mainly in civilized countries.

Can you be allergic to animal fur?

Foods, chemicals, cosmetics can cause allergies. Often the allergen is the hair of pets. More than 450 types of substances that provoke pathology are already known. However, it is the reaction to animals that is most difficult to perceive, because in order to avoid unpleasant state often have to part with a pet.

A blow to the immune system can be provoked by any animals - rabbits, hamsters, dogs, cats. Not even safe aquarium fish– Reactions to food for them and water components for the aquarium are known. Of particular sadness is the reaction to the main pets - cats and dogs. Many are faced with a difficult choice - to endure a painful condition or say goodbye to a friend.

It is not the wool itself that causes an allergic reaction, but the secret skin glands, a specific protein that is also found in saliva, dander, and animal urine. Drying, the particles are easily transported through the air, it is difficult to destroy them - they settle on clothes, furniture, walls. Pet owners know that sneezing continues even when the pet has long since left the apartment.

Cats cause the strongest reactions. Moreover, not only cat hair is dangerous, but also saliva, feces, skin mites living on animals. A reaction in the form of edema also occurs at the site of an animal bite. There have been cases of sensitization caused by cat food. The pathological influence of felines on children is especially strong. Even baby possible allergies to cats.

They yield the palm to the cats, but dog's fur is also a strong allergen. The dog's tendency to lick their favorite owners, shake their heads and constantly follow them makes it difficult to hide from their skin secretions.

Reasons for the development of pathology

It is believed to exist hereditary predisposition To allergic reactions. If parents suffer from some kind of disease, then in most cases the child will be allergic.

Other provoking factors for the development of the condition are:

liver pathology;
diseases of the digestive system;
hypovitaminosis;
long-term use medicines- antibiotics, immunostimulants, ACE inhibitors.

These conditions provoke disorders of the immune system, which lead to an inadequate response to various substances.

Video from Dr. Malysheva:

Symptoms of the disease

Animal secretions move easily through the air, so the largest number reactions are observed from the respiratory organs and mucous membranes.

Signs of a wool allergy:

sore throat, cough;
sneeze;
nasal congestion, mucous discharge;
lacrimation;
ear congestion.

With a constant stay with the animal, the symptoms can become threatening. There is swelling of the throat, difficulty in swallowing, a change in voice - hoarseness, sometimes shortness of breath develops.

If there is an allergy to animals also lesions skin. With local contact with an animal, the rash is localized in a specific place.

Appear small spots, which later protrude above the surface, can be combined into large ones, filled with liquid. There is hyperemia, swelling, itching.

If the allergen has penetrated through the digestive organs, the rash can capture any part of the body. Most often, accumulations are observed in the groin, on the folds of the arms and legs.

Any part of the body may be affected. These animal allergy symptoms are common in children (see photo). In a child of 2-3 years old, the rash can capture the entire body.

The reaction to pets can begin in children from birth.

Symptoms of an allergy to animal hair in infants:

The rash may be on the face, cheeks, or hives may spread throughout the body. Infants may join and intestinal disorders- frequent regurgitation, flatulence, stool disorders. Very often, the beginning reaction to wool is mistaken for food diathesis.

Diagnostic methods

The disease is treated by an allergist.

He must find out several important points for diagnosis:

The presence of diseases in older relatives is a hereditary factor.
Change of state when changing place and environment. If a wool allergy is suspected, it is determined whether the condition improves during a stay in other places where there are no animals. In this case, the patient must be outside his home, because dangerous properties skin secretions persist after the animal for a long time.

To accurately identify the allergen, different kinds tests. For informative diagnostics a period of remission of the disease is required. A week before the study cancel the medication.

Skin tests are the best way to diagnose reactions to wool (see photo). When they are carried out, shallow scratches are made on the skin and an allergen is applied, and a saline solution with histamine is applied to the adjacent scratch.

Check the reaction after 20 minutes and after a day. The presence of a reaction is determined by the appearance of a papule.

It is also possible to introduce the allergen with a syringe - these are intradermal tests.

There are also provocative ways to detect the disease. With them, the allergen is injected into the mucous membrane of the eye or nose with a pipette. In this way it is difficult to check the delayed response to the stimulus.

There are also laboratory research- a general and biochemical blood test. An immunogram is made that reveals an increase in group E immunoglobulins.

Principles of treatment

In the treatment of the disease, the main emphasis is on the removal of provocateurs, often in a different way to get rid of dangerous state fails. Therefore, it is an allergy to the hair of a dog or cat that is perceived as a real tragedy.

Used for treatment different groups drugs, many of them are simply removed unpleasant symptoms. Allergy pills - antihistamines are prescribed only by a doctor, depending on the severity of the course, different drugs can be selected.

The following groups of drugs are usually prescribed:

Against skin rashes - Vundehil, Dermadrin, Ketocin, Fenistil. These are non-hormonal remedies to reduce swelling, hyperemia, and itching.
Sprays in the nose from congestion and to ease breathing - Cromoglin, Baconase, Sudafed, Allergodil.
Antihistamines - Zirtek, Suprastinex, Diazolin, Diphenhydramine. Syrups and drops are prescribed for small children, tablets for adults.
Glucocorticosteroids - Prednisolone, Dexamethasone, Celeston, Kenakort.
Hormonal ointments are indicated for severe lesions skin, not amenable to other means. Fluorocort, Triamciolone, Sinaflan - glucocorticoids. For the treatment of children hormonal agents rarely used - Elocom from the age of 12.
Sorbents for the removal of toxins - the safest are activated and white coal, also use Multisorb, Polyphepan, Atoxin.
To reduce lacrimation, Dexamethasone, Histimet, Allergodil are used - eye drops.

To reduce the severity of reactions, strengthen blood vessels and increase the effectiveness of therapy, calcium gluconate is prescribed.

It should be remembered that the use hormonal drugs(glucocorticosteroids) can lead to the development of numerous adverse reactions. Despite the rapid positive effect of the treatment, they are used only in the most severe cases, after other drugs have not had the desired effect.

Video from Dr. Komarovsky about allergy remedies:

ASIT therapy

Allergen-specific therapy (ASIT) helps to get rid of wool allergy. This method of treatment is indicated from the age of 5. It is carried out in cases of accurate knowledge of the allergen, it is possible to treat immediately against 2 substances.

The method is indicated if the treatment medications has no effect, and the pathogen cannot be eliminated. ASIT method is recommended for mild forms of bronchial asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis.

The essence of the method is the prophylactic administration of the allergen in small doses and the development of immunity in the patient, that is, immunity to this substance. The method has proven effective in the treatment of allergies to cat hair.

What is dangerous pathology?

pets bring great joy, unite the family, even help in the treatment of certain diseases. Dogs protect the apartment and owners, cats maintain comfort and peace in the house.

However, those suffering from reactions to their fur often have a hard time in their presence.

The consequences of the disease can be:

irritability, fatigue, as a result - loss of immunity and resistance various infections, neuroses;
the disease itself can progress - with respiratory reactions, the development of bronchial asthma is possible, skin manifestations can provoke other, including purulent, skin lesions.

The constant need to take antihistamines and other drugs will negatively affect health and mood.

hypoallergenic animals

Ever since wool allergies became known, people have been trying to find pet breeds that are safe for their owners. However, it is known that proteins are produced by the skin of animals, so it is impossible to completely exclude a negative effect.

Important! It must be remembered that if a person suffers from a strong reaction to wool, it is better not to start an animal. No breed guarantees complete protection.

Long studies have shown that breeds that significantly reduce the risk of developing pathology exist. They are listed as hypoallergenic.

In cats, these are breeds without hair - “bald”, in dogs, representatives with long hair are less dangerous.

Short-haired dogs are more capable of causing problems, the specific protein is easily lifted right off the semi-covered skin.

Chinese crested dog

Hypoallergenic breeds of cats include Siberian, Sphynx, Oriental. In dogs, the Whippet, Chinese Crested, and some types of terriers are considered the safest.

You can reduce the effect of skin secretions and wool on the body proper care animal care and adherence to strict hygiene measures.

If a person lives outside the city, it is worth getting a breed that can be kept on the street, for example, a husky. When in contact with an animal in the yard negative action wool will not be too strong.

If the pet lives at home, you need to reduce the number of things that can accumulate particles - carpets, draperies, curtains. Furniture should be used with a leather covering, which absorbs excretions to a lesser extent and is better washed.

It is necessary to regularly clean and ventilate the room, often let pets out on the street, where they carefully comb out excess hair.

Special care is required for the pet. It should be washed regularly with special hypoallergenic shampoos. Pets should not be allowed to sleep in bed with their owners, sit on sofas. With mild allergies, these methods and right choice breeds will help to live together with your favorite animal.