Allergies to cats: symptoms and treatment

A large number of people suffer from such an unpleasant disease as an allergy to cats, the symptoms of which all manifest in varying degrees. Some lovers of these animals believe that short-haired or hairless kittens will not cause an attack, give birth to sphinxes and do not have time to be happy as an allergy to cats. It turns out that not only animal hair is an allergen, but also many other factors - cat excrement (saliva, urine), dandruff, dead skin scales. In addition, the animal can bring from the street and other pathogens - dust, fluff, pollen. So before you say goodbye to the dream of a pet, you need to find out if this is an allergy to cats, the symptoms of which are often similar to those of similar diseases.

One or more signs of the disease appear, for example:

- a runny nose, nasal congestion;

- periodic sneezing;

Irritability of the mucous or tearfulness of the eyes;

- cough, shortness of breath, wheezing (this can also be signs of asthma) ;

- redness and irritation of the skin in the place of cat bites, scratches or after licking.

Symptoms can manifest immediately, immediately after contact with the animal, or after a while, so a person can not immediately analyze the situation and conclude that there is an allergy.

If more and more often comes the thought that it is an allergy to cats, the symptoms manifest themselves regularly, then it is necessary to consult a doctor-allergist. Some experts advise for the time of diagnosis to remove a pet from the house and thoroughly wash the apartment of cat excrement, dandruff, fallen hair. If after a few days sneezing, coughing and allergic rhinitis continue , then it is unlikely that it is an allergy to cats - the symptoms did not disappear even after lack of contact with the animal. In determining the allergen, you will need to take a blood test and make several skin tests.

Some scientists suggest that parents teach young children to animals, since constant close contact with the allergen is beneficial, and in the future, allergies to cats in children may not appear. However, if a child has at least one symptom of a disease when playing with furry friends, it is better to stop communication in order to avoid serious consequences. Moreover, we should not contact animals that are prone to allergies of various kinds.

Treatment is carried out using standard methods, complex and separate, it all depends on how the disease manifests itself:

- use of antihistamines that block the action of the allergen;

- taking anti-edematous drugs, because sometimes in the form of complications there may be swelling or stasis of mucus in the body;

- In some cases, homeopathy is used - the patient is prescribed an allergen injection, but one should keep in mind that this method of treatment is long and not always effective. However, he helps some, so doctors do not rule out such an opportunity.

The best way to get rid of this unpleasant disease is almost all allergists consider absence of contact with cats. If, for some reason, still have to communicate with the animal, it is better to prepare for the meeting in advance.

When visiting guests who live with a cat, try not to touch the animal at all. If there is a long rest, you should ask the owners in advance so that animals do not enter the room reserved for the guest. You can also take special anti-allergenic drugs, which can be prescribed by an allergist or dermatologist. Apply them regularly.

You must always keep your condition under control in order to avoid the development of more serious diseases.