There are a large number of people in the world who suffer from cat allergies. Those usual household pets around the world can be a nuisance to them and to others.
Cats are a common source of allergens. This is the name given to the specific proteins that trigger an allergic reaction in susceptible individuals.
The scales detached from the animal’s skin are the main source. It is what we know as cat hair. The rest of the allergens are found in the saliva and urine of the animal. One protein in particular, the fel d1it is responsible for 95% of cat allergies.
What about patients with asthma and allergic rhinitis?
Immediate hypersensitivity to inhaled allergens is very common among children and young adults with asthma and rhinitis. This makes them a sensitive group for cat allergies.
In the case of people susceptible to cat allergens, their symptoms will be the usual ones of allergic rhinitis or asthmatic crisis. At this point there will be no difference with the signs suffered by those who are allergic to other substances.
Cat dander is shed in the spring and builds up again in the fall.. Therefore, the seasonal rhythm can be confusing, making differential diagnosis difficult with rhinitis caused, for example, by pollens.
This is most profound in younger children with cat allergies, as in those older than 4 years the symptoms are milder, though long-lasting. As you get older, you tend to lose the prevalence of symptoms for periods of time.
True that too people who live with cats develop tolerance. That is, cat allergy symptoms are minimized over time. There is a process of getting used to the animal’s doses of allergens.
People with allergic rhinitis are a susceptible group to cat allergies.
What are the symptoms of a cat allergy?
Allergies to cats share symptoms with other allergic conditions. There is rhinorrhea, that is, a runny nose. Also nasal congestion with a constant flow of fluid down the throat, known as postnasal drainage.
Sneezing is almost a norm, accompanied by itching the palate, nose, ears and eyes. This leads to allergic conjunctivitis and dermatitis, which is found on the face, neck and lower extremities. Sometimes the areas of skin in contact with the animal are most affected, however this is not always the case.
Asthmatic attacks are an expression of the severity of the allergy to cats. The bronchi close and the characteristic whistle of the air trying to escape appears. In a person with a history of asthma, the picture is worse.
What to do if you are allergic to cats?
The most effective way to control any allergic manifestation, be it rhinitis or asthma, is not to be exposed to the allergen that triggers it. That’s why the most effective measure to control a cat allergy is to keep the animals out of the house.
Cat allergens are carried on clothing, accumulate on sofas, carpets, mattresses and more They can stay airborne for long periods. This is due to its small size.
Other preventative measures, while recommended, have not proven as effective as eliminating the source of the allergy. Examples of these recommendations are as follows:
- Wear air filters.
- Aggressively clean carpets, sofas and beds with HEPA filters.
- Bathe pets regularly.
- Change used clothes.
- Use desensitizing immunotherapy.
Even when cats are removed from the home, the allergens persist for many weeks or months.and aggressive cleaning is required to hasten its removal.
Are there hypoallergenic cats?
Has there ever been talk of the existence of hypoallergenic cats. The truth is that to date there is no evidence that there are breeds with more or less high levels of allergens. Some researchers have suggested various approaches to create hypoallergenic cats by knocking out the gene for the Fel d1 protein. Although some of the strategies are used, tThey have not yet demonstrated their advantage.
a doctor can help you
If you love cats and don’t want to stop living with them, see a doctor to evaluate some strategies that reduce exposure. There are alternatives and habits that can be adopted without implying sudden changes..
In case you experience cat allergy symptoms, a healthcare professional may also prescribe medications to control symptoms, such as antihistamines, beta-agonists, anti-inflammatories, and specific immunotherapy.
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