Struggling with Pet Allergies? Here's Some Strategies for Managing Reactions
From Slobber to Sniffs: Living with a Pet When You're Allergic
Morning greetings wagging tails and evening cuddles? Those moments with your furry or feathered pal can bring comfort, lower stress, and lift your spirits. But what about those moments when your companion leaves you wheezing, sneezing, or feeling congested? Dealing with pet allergies isn't the end of the road for pet ownership; it's more of a winding path with diverse solutions.
In most allergy cases, the solution is simple: eliminate the irritant. But when your allergy is caused by your beloved pet, things become a touch more intricate.
Dr. Drew Ayars, a pet enthusiast and physician based at the Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Clinic at UW Medical Center - Montlake and Eastside Specialty Center, shares his knowledge on living with a pet while battling allergies.
Causes of Pet Allergies: Nature vs. Nurture
A combination of genetic and environmental factors - especially the environment you grew up in - determines your vulnerability to pet allergies and asthma, Ayars explains.
Allergies are your immune system's overreaction to harmless triggers, referred to as allergens, like pollen, food, or dander from our four-legged or winged companions. Exposure to pet dander instigates an immune response in allergy sufferers, eventually leading to symptoms.
Symptoms vary, but the most common include sneezing, a runny nose, watery eyes, and nasal congestion. Asthma sufferers may also experience wheezing and difficulty breathing.
Diagnosing Pet Allergies: Search and Sniff
Suspecting pet allergies? Consult your healthcare provider for a trusted test. Depending on your doctor's preference, you'll either receive a blood test, involving a blood draw that'll be sent to a lab for analysis, or a skin test at UW Medicine facilities. The skin test consists of pricking your skin with a small amount of purified allergen. If your skin reacts to the allergen, the allergy is confirmed.
"We prefer skin tests due to their convenience and speed; they take 20 minutes, providing a swift answer," Ayars says, explaining that this helps confirm the allergy for individuals experiencing symptoms around pets.
Living with a Pet while Allergic: Breathing Easier
Medications, treatments, environmental changes - these are tools at your disposal for managing pet allergies. Here's how to navigate the pet owner landscape if your symptoms don't require the drastic measure of parting ways with your four-legged (or feathered) friend.
Taming Symptoms
Relieve your symptoms with over-the-counter meds like antihistamines, nasal sprays, and decongestants. These products help reduce inflammation and curb your immune system's overreaction to the allergen.
Non-sedating oral antihistamines and nasal steroids are generally safe for long-term use in most people. Decongestants, while effective on a short-term basis, are not recommended for long-term use regularly.
Individuals with asthma may also benefit from discussing asthma therapy options with their doctor to control symptoms. Before adopting a pet, asthma sufferers with severe conditions should consult their primary care doctor and allergist.
Allergy-fighting Strategy: Immunotherapy
If your symptoms aren't manageable with over-the-counter medications or medical therapy, it might be time to delve into allergy treatments. These methods gradually desensitize your immune system to allergens, helping you build tolerance over time.
The most common form of immunotherapy is allergy shots. This treatment typically spans three to five years with 20 to 30 shots during the initial build-up phase and a monthly shot thereafter until completion. The upside? Most people continue to experience benefits even after discontinuing the treatment.
Going DIY: Environment Control
Revamping your living space to minimize contact with allergens can help alleviate symptoms.
Getting rid of carpeting or upholstered furniture can drastically reduce the accumulation of pet dander in your home. Regular vacuuming - whether you have carpet or wood floors - can also make a difference.
Investing in a HEPA filter for your bedroom, especially during sleep, can filter the air and minimize exposure to allergens.
While these tactics are less effective with cats, whose dander spreads easily and is difficult to eliminate, they can still benefit those who share their lives with our feline friends.
Cleaning Act: Pet Care Maintenance
Contrary to popular belief, there is no truly hypoallergenic breed. However, maintaining a clean and groomed pet can help lower your allergen exposure.
Giving your pet a bath regularly - more frequently for dogs - can reduce the build-up of dander on their fur and minimize your exposure. Wash your hands after touching your pet to avoid reintroducing dander into your environment.
When it comes to managing pet allergies, remember: you don't have to suffer just because you want a furry friend. At the end of the day, it's all about learning to navigate the landscape and live harmoniously with your pet. And hey, who knows? You just might develop an immunity along the way.
After receiving a diagnosis for pet allergies, consider exploring various treatment methods to manage symptoms, such as over-the-counter medications (like antihistamines, nasal sprays, and decongestants), immunotherapy (like allergy shots), and environmental changes (such as investing in a HEPA filter or maintaining a clean pet). By adopting these strategies, you can coexist peacefully with your pet while minimizing allergy symptoms. Additionally, understanding the causes of pet allergies (a combination of genetic and environmental factors) may help you make informed decisions about pet selection and care.
