In general, allergies are hereditary diseases, in which the immune system reacts violently to a substance. As for the cat allergy itself, it is provoked by proteins in the saliva and feces of the cat. In the process of grooming their hair, cats lick it, distributing protein evenly on the coat. These proteins are the culprits of the cat allergic reaction, which is the immune response to the biological substances that are components of the pet’s fur.
In addition to proteins, allergens brought in from outdoor walks may also provoke the disease. Outside the home on the coat of an animal gets down, flower pollen, mold and dust. These cause the most severe forms of allergies.
Scientists do not consider cat fur to be the culprit of allergies as such. It all depends on the individual human body whether or not it reacts to the pet’s proteins.
How do I recognize a cat allergy?
The type of pathology under consideration is not much different from other epidermal allergies in its clinical picture. But still, the signs of the disease are not expressed in the same way in different people. They depend on the general condition of the human body and the amount of the allergen entering it.
Symptoms of cat allergy
- Sneezing, nasal congestion, nasal mucosa inflammation, rhinitis
- lacrimation, itching and red eyes, conjunctivitis and photosensitivity;
- dermatitis and urticaria, which are localized in places of contact with the allergic substance;
- swelling of the skin;
- bronchospasms;
- wheezing and episodes of choking.
The latter manifestation of the disease is the most dangerous, since respiratory disorders are life-threatening. As the pathology progresses, it can develop into true asthma.
It is noteworthy that allergies to cats in children exposed to pets from an early age, develops much less frequently than in adult owners. If, over time, any symptoms and appear, the disease is easy to control. Scientists explain this reaction of the child’s body by the immunity’s habituation to the allergen due to constant contact with it.
No less interesting is the fact that adults can gradually adapt to the proteins of their own pets. But to other people’s cats, the body will react just as violently as it did before to the hair of their own pet.
Allergies to cats](../../../assets/allergiya-na-koshek-1.jpeg)
How are cat allergies treated?
In order to treat cat allergies, patients may be prescribed:
- antihistamines - blockers of substances that provoke allergy symptoms;
- anti-edematous medications that eliminate complications in the form of mucus accumulation or swelling;
- symptomatic medications, selected based on the specific manifestations of the disease.
However, it is not always possible to cure the disease completely. Specialists advise to stop contact with animals and observe special rules of conduct:
- going to visit the house with a cat, you need to take an antihistamine medication and agree with the owners that at the time of your presence the animal was not in the room;
- Do not wear clothes of the cat’s owner, as these may have hair on them;
- Do not touch cats, even during periods of remission.
Children’s reaction to cat hair
A child who is prone to allergies to cat proteins may experience allergies as runny nose and frequent sneezing, wheezing, and coughing. The skin becomes red and the ocular mucosa becomes irritated. A rash appears on the face and chest. The baby’s condition may worsen if he or she has allergic asthma.
Cat allergy in young children is diagnosed by examining skin tests and blood. The degree of influence of the allergens on the body is judged mainly by blood tests. Treatment of the disease is not complicated, antiedematous and antihistamine drugs are prescribed. Children are prescribed Claritin, Allegra, Sudafed, Flonaz, etc.
When choosing medications, the pediatrician should always take into account the age of the little patient and the degree of manifestation of the disease. For the treatment of children over 5 years of age, an excellent therapeutic measure is the introduction of allergy injections. Their effect is beneficial for the child.
It is not possible to completely rid your child of allergies to cats, but it is possible to prevent an exacerbation of symptoms. To do this, you should not allow contact between the child and the pet, and do not allow him to kiss your pet.
If the pet is always in the house, it is necessary to vacuum the carpet daily, wipe off the dust thoroughly, air the house and do wet cleaning. The cat should also be cleaned regularly by bathing and brushing. If your child’s allergies are so severe that they pose a health risk, it is better to give the cat to someone who does not have such a problem.