POLLEN COUNT
Pets are a great addition to the family. The two most common household pets are cats and dogs, and while they undoubtedly bring joy to everyone, they can also cause allergies in some family members. Pet allergies are very common and usually triggered by pet dander, which is the skin shedding of furry animals. Saliva and urine can also be allergy triggers.
It is very painful having to let go of a family pet, so it’s worth finding out if pet allergies can be cured, in the situation that you or a family member develop it.
Do I Have a Pet Allergy?
Pet allergies usually cause the nasal passages to become inflamed. You may experience the following symptoms after exposure to an animal:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Postnasal drip
- Red, itchy, and watery eyes
- Itchy throat and roof of the mouth
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
In order to live with your pet in harmony, you have to get your allergies under control. An allergy doctor specializes in treating all types of allergies, including pet allergies. Talk to an allergist about getting diagnosed and treated for pet allergies today.
Is There a Cure for Pet Allergies?
Allergy treatment is not always a cure. In most cases, treatment involves controlling and preventing symptoms once exposure to a trigger occurs. Avoidance is an important part of pet allergy treatment. Avoidance involves keeping away from triggers, such as keeping your pet confined to one area of the home only and away from the bedroom, as well as minimizing exposure to pet dander by using an air purifier with a HEPA filter. Frequent cleaning of the home can also keep irritants under control.
Another aspect of allergy treatment is getting symptoms under control. Antihistamines block the release of histamines, which causes many of the symptoms of allergies. Corticosteroids and decongestants may also be used to relieve inflammation in the nasal passages and make it easier to breathe through the nose. Leukotriene modifiers, on the other hand, block the effect or release of leukotrienes, which can relieve symptoms such as coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
In terms of a long-term cure, one of the best treatments available is immunotherapy. Immunotherapy for pet allergies involves training the immune system to no longer overreact to pet dander and other irritants. Immunotherapy is given through shots in an allergy doctor’s clinic. Each time, you are exposed to small amounts of the allergen, and the dose is gradually increased as you develop an immunity to it. Allergy shots can be given to patients ages five and up.
Cure for Pet Allergies in Will County & DuPage County, IL
If you want relief from pet allergies, the board-certified allergy doctors at Oak Brook Allergists can design a personalized allergy treatment plan for you. In our expert care, you will no longer have to say goodbye to your pet.
To find out what treatment options are available to you, schedule an appointment with one of our allergy doctors. Call our clinic today at (630) 574-0460 or use our convenient online request form. At Oak Brook Allergists, we treat adult and pediatric patients of all ages. We look forward to serving you soon!
