How to cope with cat allergies. What is dangerous about cat allergy - symptoms and how to get rid of it forever. Symptoms of a cat allergy

Text: Irina Sergeeva

The so-called allergy to cats is extremely common. It’s good if you knew about this misfortune in advance and never asked for a fluffy kitten for your birthday. But what should those who have already settled a meowing creature in their house, and suddenly discovered obvious signs allergies? How can you live side by side with your beloved pet if it literally hurts to even look at it?

Allergy to cats: where is the “dog buried”?

Strictly speaking, there is no allergy to cats. More precisely, their fur, which is usually blamed for all the most unpleasant allergic symptoms, has absolutely nothing to do with it. An allergic reaction in a person is caused not by the animal’s fur itself, but by its saliva and, sorry, urine. And also the smallest particles of skin. Present in saliva, urine, and skin special kind protein - this is the allergenic culprit of all troubles.

So the belief that hairless cats or cats with super-short, dense hair are not dangerous for allergy sufferers is fundamentally wrong. There are no hypoallergenic cats - they all “wash themselves” and go “to the toilet” as one, which means they are all, by their nature, capable of causing painful symptoms in humans.

The most common symptoms include:

Cough and wheezing, difficulty breathing;
Skin rash such as urticaria;
Redness and irritation of the eyes (called allergic conjunctivitis), lacrimation;
Redness of the skin and itching (can be especially obvious in direct contact with an animal);
Runny nose, and often nasal congestion without signs of a runny nose;
Sneeze.

How would you like to be treated?

The manifestation of symptoms is difficult to predict in advance: they can appear either immediately after contact with the pet or several hours later. Moreover, a person may not even see the animal itself! But even its mere presence in the room where the animal lives can trigger allergic reactions. Asthmatics are especially sensitive to cats - for most of them, it only takes a few seconds in the company of cats to feel a sharp exacerbation of the disease.

Most often, treatment of allergic reactions to cats comes down to a standard set of measures (as with any other allergy itself) - namely, taking antihistamines that block the action of allergens, and eliminating swelling (if it occurs).

My friend is my enemy

Naturally, few people would think of having a meowing friend in their own home if they have an obvious allergy to cats. But what to do if you have already warmed up to a cat or a snow leopard with all your heart, and only in the process of living together did that very notorious allergic reaction become apparent? Is it somehow possible, as they say, not to abandon the cat, and not to suffer yourself? An allergist will help you find a healthy compromise in this situation. It is he who is able to determine how high the chances are for this particular allergy sufferer to get along with this particular cat. It must be said that in almost half of the cases, allergy sufferers and cats get along at the very least. True, the former must strictly monitor the implementation of the following rules:

Try to avoid direct contact with the animal whenever possible. Unfortunately, it will not be you personally who will have to wash, groom and pet your pet, but one of your household members.

Try to make sure your pet never enters the bedroom.

If you do not live in an apartment, but in your own home, set up a “home” for your pet as far as possible from those rooms that you use most often.

Keep your house clean. Despite the fact that animal fur itself is non-allergenic, it is the main “carrier” of saliva, urine, and skin particles. Therefore, carefully clean all places in the house where your pet could leave its fur.

Try to get rid of fluffy long-pile carpets, thick curtains and other “dust collectors”. Firstly, they are excellent at collecting cat hair, and secondly, they also collect dust, which itself can cause unpleasant allergic symptoms

Finally, the most important thing: about once a month, visit an allergist and monitor your well-being.

By the way, it is likely that your stubbornness and reluctance to part with your beloved pet will turn out for you... the most effective way to get rid of allergies to cats. Science knows many cases where allergies were cured using the “wedge-wedge” method: the body gradually, over the years, got used to the constant presence of the allergen and eventually simply stopped reacting to it.

Most believe that the cause of the painful condition lies in the fur. The length of the coat and its presence in general do not provoke a deterioration in the health of the pet owner. Before getting rid of cat allergies, it is important to understand where allergens come from and how they affect the human body.

Why do allergies occur?

The main factor is proteins that are found not in the fur, but in the animal’s saliva. Such allergens are also present on fur, but buying a hairless cat will not help: the particles are so small that the habitat is not particularly important for them.

Allergic exposure is not a one-time process. Proteins weaken the immune system, which makes the body vulnerable to a host of other diseases.

In order not to confuse a cat allergy with a cold or other ailment, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the symptoms:

Formations appear on the skin in the form of a rash. Signs of dermatitis are observed.
A common symptom is swelling of the eyelids. Infection is accompanied by itching, shortness of breath and asthma attacks.
Most danger sign- Quincke's edema. This is a critical stage when the patient needs urgent hospitalization as his life is at risk.

How to treat?

It is possible to get rid of allergies at home. The main thing is to limit the patient’s contact with a cat that carries dangerous proteins and follow a number of recommendations:

Buying antihistamines. These are compounds that stop the effect of the allergen on a person. Loratidine and Suprastin are suitable for such purposes.
Purchasing ointments. Hydrocortisone and prednisolone formulations are suitable. The ointment is applied to the area of skin affected by the rash.
Purchasing diuretics. Such drugs are useful if allergies are accompanied by swelling. Andrenomimetics and hypertonic solutions will quickly relieve swelling.
Anti-lacrimation agents. The most unpleasant effect of allergies is excessive tearing. The simplest will help get rid of the symptom eye drops. Choosing branded ones will prolong the effect of the drug.

How to overcome the disease forever?

The causes of allergic reactions are associated with cats, but this does not mean that you should give up your pets. There are methods of prevention and folk remedies, which act gradually.

Statistics show that allergies from cats begin to appear in those who did not have contact with a cat in childhood. The child’s body initially begins to perceive protein as a dangerous element, which forms a response.

The experimental treatment does not involve avoiding contact with the cat. On the contrary, it is important to stay close to your pet, but do not forget about immunotherapy with the help of appropriate drugs. Over time, the problem will subside or disappear altogether.

To completely get rid of allergies from cats, you can use traditional methods:

The first decoction consists of birch buds and water. For 1 cup of kidneys you will need 3 cups of water; the consistency is boiled for about 30 minutes. After this, the infusion is taken about 4 times a day.
The second decoction is based on celery root. The vegetable is crushed and turned into juice. If the mixture is taken 3 times a day, the patient will not suffer from the primary symptoms.
The third option is motherwort leaves mixed in 2 glasses of water. The decoction is intended to cure the nose, which will also relieve lacrimation.

Taking antihistamines against allergies requires consultation with a doctor. These medications are not suitable for everyone. Alternative option Immunotherapies are injections that can be given on your own or in an outpatient setting.

VETERINARIAN CONSULTATION REQUIRED. INFORMATION FOR INFORMATION ONLY. Administration

Any allergy causes great discomfort. And it’s especially offensive if the cause of its occurrence lies in your favorite pet. Allergies to cats are not uncommon, but even with such a problem, you should not quickly place your pet in kind hands. Let's figure out whether it will be possible to get rid of cat allergies forever and what preventive measures exist.

The main cause of allergies is proteins contained in the saliva and urine of the animal. This is the Fel d 2 protein, which is transmitted to humans through a bite or scratch from a pet. Due to the fact that the body has to fight the allergen, the immune system becomes weaker. On the surface of the wool there is an allergen Fel d 1. It is smaller than dust particles that move in the air. Its particles quickly spread throughout the apartment. You can only get rid of the presence of an allergen in a room using wet cleaning.

Before you pick correct treatment, you need to find out the symptoms of an allergy to cats:

a rash appears on the skin;
dermatitis and urticaria appear;
there is shortness of breath, lacrimation and asthma attacks;
Quincke's edema occurs;
constant itching and swelling of the eyelids.

If swelling, shortness of breath and breathing problems occur, you should urgently call a doctor, as this condition is very dangerous.

How to cure cat allergies

Only an experienced doctor can tell whether allergies can be cured in each specific case. Most often, this is a chronic phenomenon that is difficult to treat. But in children, allergies are temporary and may disappear completely during adolescence. If you follow medical recommendations, you can reduce the intensity and frequency of attacks.

To stop an attack it is prescribed complex treatment. Quitting smoking will help reduce the manifestation of the disease, regular walks on fresh air and contrast shower.

Medicines

Only your doctor can tell you how to properly treat allergies and fight the allergen. The most commonly prescribed drugs are:

Antihistamines block the influence of the allergen. Cetrin, Zyrtec, Loratadine and Telfast are used orally. In this case, you need to take into account the duration of the medicine.
Skin rashes are treated with hormonal ointments, such as hydrocortisone, prednisolone and sinoflan.
Corticosteroid drugs are used.
To remove swelling, medications with a diuretic effect are used.
Special eye drops are used for watery eyes.
Drops with xylometazoline cope with the manifestations of allergic rhinitis.
To get rid of toxins you should use Polysorb or Enterosgel.

If you are allergic to cats, you should always have special medications with you. It is convenient to use drugs in tablet form.

How to get rid of cat allergies using traditional medicine?

There are also some recipes traditional medicine that help cure allergies. During treatment, it is recommended not to contact your pet.

You can try the following recipes:

The celery root needs to be chopped and the juice squeezed out through a meat grinder. The medicinal solution must be taken three times a day in a spoonful.
You can make a decoction from a tablespoon of birch buds. The dry mixture is poured with three glasses of water and boiled for 20 minutes. Then the infusion is taken several times a day, half a glass.
Decoction for cleansing the nose allergic rhinitis made from motherwort leaves and two glasses of boiling water.

How to get rid of cat allergies forever?

Many doctors recommend not to fight allergies, but to get rid of symptoms, simply remove contact with the allergen - the cat. But there are also new techniques that involve regularly administering a special extract with an allergen to the patient.

Regular intake of this substance into the body ultimately leads to a decrease in allergic reactions. In some patients, unpleasant symptoms completely disappear. Children may experience temporary allergies as the immune system identifies the protein as a danger to the body. Sometimes the reaction goes away on its own.

It is worth paying attention to preventive measures:

The pet must have an individual place to rest. He should not lie in bed or on the sofa.
Small particles of wool settle on furniture upholstery and carpets, so they need to be cleaned regularly.
You should not let the animal into the nursery or bedroom.
A cat will shed less if it is fed properly.
It is necessary to regularly carry out wet cleaning and ventilate the room.
It is recommended to remove heavy carpets and curtains from the room, as they are the main reservoirs of various allergens.

If you suspect an allergy from an animal, then you should not care for the cat. This should be done by family members who do not experience such problems. To get rid of the disease, it is recommended to strengthen the immune system. It is important to eat right, exercise and take walks in the fresh air more often.

If an allergic reaction is severe, you should call an ambulance, as swelling can develop very quickly. If you follow medical recommendations, you can significantly minimize the symptoms that cause discomfort.

Often people avoid cats for no reason at all because they don't like the animal. It is known that allergies to cats cause inconvenience to every fifth person in the world, reports estet-portal.com. This is a fairly common occurrence that makes us refuse to be in company with any furry animal. Why does an allergic reaction to this animal occur, what causes it and how to deal with it? Is it possible to overcome an allergy to cats and how to minimize its effect on the human body? Let's figure out that it is I who is the allergen from which a person suffers.

Contents [Show]

How does a cat allergy manifest?

About 10% of the population suffers from allergies to various pets. A reaction to cats is 2 times more common than, for example, an allergy to dogs. It is generally accepted that this phenomenon is caused by animal fur. However, this is fundamentally wrong. Turns out, allergic reaction calls:

urine and feces,
saliva,
dead cells,
secretion of sebaceous glands,
animal blood.

A special type of protein (protein) found in their composition is the source of an allergic reaction and intolerance in the body.

So, even if the cat has minimal fur, i.e. Being hairless does not mean that you will protect yourself from allergies.

Symptoms of a cat allergy

As it turns out, regardless of the breed, if you are prone to allergies to animal waste products, it will naturally manifest itself. To the symptoms of this disease can be attributed:

difficulty breathing, cough with wheezing,
rashes on the skin (urticaria),
damage to the organs of vision, which is distinguished by watery eyes or redness of the eyes,
severe itching skin, especially after contact with a cat,
allergic rhinitis,
nasal congestion without runny nose,
sneezing and itching in the nasal cavity.

These symptoms can appear sharply only when approaching an animal or its habitat, agrees estet-portal.com. And they can develop over a short amount of time upon contact with a cat. Also, people suffering from asthmatic syndrome in 20-30% of cases noticed a worsening of their condition and the occurrence of asthma attacks during contact with this furry animal.

Read also: Dangerous house: allergic reactions to household chemicals

How is a cat allergy determined?

To determine whether a cat is the cause of your illness, an allergist will usually prescribe:

skin tests,
blood analysis.

He may also suggest living separately from your furry pet in order to accurately determine whether the animal’s waste products are allergens for you.

How to minimize cat allergies?

If you are already sure that it is the cat that causes your allergy, then you can minimize its effects on your body if you follow our advice:

try not to touch the animal under any circumstances,
Long-term contacts with the owners of these fluffies are also not for you,
if contact with an animal cannot be avoided, take antihistamine,
Do wet cleaning of the room as often as possible,
remove from your household everything that can collect animal fur: carpets, plush items, blankets,
maintain animal hygiene,
arrange constant ventilation of the room,
limit the animal's room around the house, do not let it into the bedroom,
change filters in air purification and air conditioning systems more often

Treatment for cat allergies

As doctors determine, allergies to cats cannot be cured. All that can be done in such cases is to reduce the animal’s exposure through certain medications:

antihistamines, they block the action of allergens,
decongestants, help reduce swelling and fight mucus stagnation,
symptomatic drugs local action, fight the appearance of a runny nose, redness of the eyes or skin.

Modern developments in the treatment of cat allergies

Scientists have recently invented new drug, which can effectively combat allergies to cat hair. German scientists carried out painstaking work, the main goal of which was to identify a medicine that can effectively relieve symptoms allergic asthma. Experts presented the results of their research work at the congress of the World Organization of Allergists in Rio de Janeiro.

According to scientists, the most the best option To combat allergy symptoms, therapy with modified allergens (allergoids) in sublingual tablets is used.

The basis for such conclusions was a number of clinical trials they conducted, which indicated that the use of such tablets is very effective method fight allergies. Patients who suffered from cat allergies were asked to take monomeric allergoid sublingual tablets, with a gradual reduction in the dose of medication for maintenance therapy. The group of people participating in the study consisted of 70 people.

The results of the experiment were very positive. At the end of treatment, among all participants, local adverse reactions occurred in only seven people out of 70. Serious manifestations of allergies and systemic reactions were not observed at all, and general state subjects improved significantly.

How do you combat allergies to pets? Share on estet-portal.com.

estet-portal.com

Allergy to cats- a common disease. A person suffering from this problem, upon contact with an animal, begins to choke, experience bouts of coughing, sneezing and itching. Skin rash, red eyes, and nasal congestion occur.

Allergy to cats: reasons and sources

The common belief is that allergy to cats occurs only due to wool, erroneously. Sources of problems: proteins contained in saliva, sebaceous glands, urine and dead epithelial cells of the animal. Therefore, symptoms do not depend on the length of the cat's fur and can be caused by hairless breeds.

The cat constantly licks itself, goes to the toilet, rubs against furniture, leaving allergen particles everywhere. Therefore, unpleasant symptoms also occur during the absence of the animal, with indirect contact with it. Signs of an allergy appear instantly or, after some time, sometimes after a few hours.

Allergy relief

What if you don’t want to part with your animal? Constant use of antihistamines and anti-inflammatory drugs alleviates the situation, but does not solve the problem. The direction of treatment depends on the degree of the allergic reaction, which is determined by the specialist. More often, positive decisions are made, and it is recommended to follow a number of rules.

Avoid direct contact.
Entrust the care of the cat to household members, who should regularly wipe the pet with a damp towel.
Do not allow the animal to come into the bedroom.
If you have the necessary space for your pet, it is better to equip a separate compartment, for example in a residential building.
Get rid of objects that collect dust (carpets and upholstered furniture with long piles, thick and voluminous curtains, plush toys).
Ventilate the room more often and clean surfaces with a vacuum cleaner with a good filter.

Following these tips will lead to relief, but will not completely solve the problem.

How to get rid of cat allergies while taking antihistamines? This method only eliminates the manifestations of the disease, so it will not be possible to completely protect yourself. Doctors often prescribe drugs such as Zyrtec, Telfast, Cetrin, which do not suppress the activity of the nervous system and help eliminate allergic runny nose and conjunctivitis.

IN difficult cases Corticosteroids are recommended, the action of which occurs at the cellular level. Allergic asthmatics, especially susceptible to bronchospasms, are prescribed antispasmodics and inhaled corticosteroids. Nazaval spray, developed on the basis of cellulose, has proven well. When used, a film is formed on the nasal passages, preventing allergens from entering the body.

Treatment

Constant exposure of the body to small doses of the allergen often promotes remission of the disease. In medicine, this method is called ASIT (allergen-specific immunotherapy). With the exception of rare cases, the body gets used to constant exposure to the allergen.

This method is a solution to the problem, how to get rid of cat allergies on for a long time? The essence is periodic contact with the animal or its location. First for a short time with a gradual increase in duration. At first, you can eliminate the symptoms with pills.

In medicine, correction is carried out using small doses of the allergen immune system. Regular injections of purified allergen are made under the skin for 6 months. The result is remission of the disease. Currently, allergy to cats most effectively treated with this method.

We bring to your attention the following videos that will tell you about allergies to cats and other pets, as well as how to deal with this unpleasant phenomenon:

ladysovety.ru

Cats have been the favorite of many people, and especially children, for many hundreds of years. However, in the modern world, cat allergies occur in more than 15% of the population, which, even with a great love for animals, is a serious obstacle.

Allergic reactions to pets are the most common. Most often, it is cats that provoke a negative immune response. Allergies can occur in both adults and children.

Provoking factors for the development of allergies

It is necessary to understand why allergies to pets are dangerous and what factors lead to its development, especially in children. This reaction can occur in at different ages and regardless of gender, however, patients with a history of allergies to mold and pollen are most susceptible to cats.

An allergic reaction can be triggered by the following reasons:

is of great importance hereditary factor. If both parents are allergic, then the child will also suffer from this disease. Therefore, most often in the family of allergy sufferers they know how to get rid of allergies to cats;
common allergens that can remain on the surface of cat fur after a street walk can provoke an exacerbation of allergies;
a negative reaction is possible as a result of the presence of proteins in the cat’s waste products. Such allergens weaken the patient, provoking a response of typical allergic symptoms;
Patients suffering from asthmatic and pulmonary diseases. A fleeting contact with a furry pet is enough for them to feel a significant deterioration in their condition.

It should be noted that the main reason for the appearance of a negative reaction, contrary to popular belief, is not fur at all, but natural secretions. Moreover, this type of reaction does not depend on the length of the coat.

Allergy test

To diagnose an allergy, you first need to determine characteristic symptoms body reactions to cats. Often on initial stage It is not possible to correctly recognize an allergy, since the analysis shows a positive answer after a certain time after contact with the animal. Sometimes an allergic reaction to cats occurs even after a short stay in the room where the cat was previously.

To perform diagnostics, it is recommended to take a skin test to determine the type of pathogen. Skin testing is performed by intradermal injection of the suspected allergen. The procedure itself may look like this: a few scratches are made on the forearm with a sterile needle, where a drop of the suspected allergen is applied, with further monitoring of the immune response. If an allergy is confirmed, symptomatic treatment is prescribed.

Cat allergy test and modern methods studies allow you to quickly and accurately identify the allergen and find out the reasons why such a reaction occurred.

Top 10 hypoallergenic cats

Quite often you can hear the question from patients: which cats do not cause allergies? It is important to note that there are no animals that are completely safe from the point of view of allergy status. First of all, this is explained by the fact that allergens can be not only fur, but also cat waste products, including epidermal cells. An allergy to cat fur is not a death sentence; it is not necessary; the allergen is cat hair.
There is a conditional list of the least allergenic cats:

10th place - Balinese. This cat belongs to the semi-longhaired variety of Siamese cats. This graceful animal received this name for its certain similarity with the graceful dancers of the island of Bali. The cat is extremely sociable and highly valued by lovers of true beauty.
9 - Oriental. This American woman has joined the list of cats that are not allergic. Historically, Thailand is considered the place where Oriental cats appeared, but the Americans achieved official recognition of short-haired cats. The cat is friendly, easygoing and loved by children.

8 - Javanese. This breed is named after the island of Java, but America is considered its homeland. The cat has quite long hair, however, it is low-allergenic. A negative reaction to Javanese can occur extremely rarely. In addition, this cat is valued for its beautiful color.
7 - Siberian. Many cat breeds causing allergies, often have scanty coat, and in some cases, its complete absence. However, the Russian Siberian cat breaks this persistent stereotype. It is impossible to explain the lack of allergies to this cat. No one knows how to test this property, but more than 75% of allergy sufferers do not experience any rejection when interacting with this breed of cat.
6 - Lykoi. This breed is valued by aesthetes, since at first glance the Likoi resembles an ugly duckling. The kitten is a domesticated short-haired animal, but has bald patches on its body. This breed was selected by chance as scientists worked to develop a new breed of hairless cat, resulting in the Lykoi. It is possible that it was her appearance that made this cat a favorite of many allergy sufferers.
5 - Devon Rex. This cat has a low allergen threshold, very scanty fur and characteristic feature- These are ears that resemble the wings of butterflies. In addition, they are very smart and attached to their owner and, if necessary, can even protect him. Reviews from Devon Rex lovers are most enthusiastic. Their owners prefer only this breed in the future.
4 - Cornish Rex. Distinctive feature This cat is curly-haired and playful. The homeland of the Cornish is England. These are the cats that love to bathe, which has a positive effect on the allergic owner, since most allergens are washed off with the water.

3 - Peterbald. This cat breed, originally from St. Petersburg, has a kind character and intelligence. Her progenitors are the oriental cat Radma von Jaegerhof and Afinogen Myth. She has a low allergen threshold, and is quite often given to children. When keeping pet Allergy to hairless cats is extremely rare, as is allergy from Don Sphynxes. In addition, the cat loves water treatments.
2 - Sphinx of the Don. This semi-hairless cat can help with joint pain. It relieves muscle pain, headaches, and also has a calming effect on nervous system. In addition, allergies to Don Sphynx breeds are rare.
1 - Canadian Sphinx. The Canadian Sphynx ranks 1st on the list of the safest cats regarding the development of allergies. There is still no exact answer why this particular breed of hairless cats is the most hypoallergenic. Despite the fact that allergies to sphinxes are extremely rare, patients with hypersensitivity immune system, even these cats can provoke negative symptoms. An interesting fact is that allergies to the Don Sphynx are 2 times more common than to the Canadian one, although they both belong to the same family.

In addition, there are other breeds of pets that are recommended for patients with allergies. For example, the Scottish breed fold cats, Abyssinian cat and British. Scottish cats are very similar to British cats and very often they can be confused. However, the Scotsman, unlike the British, has short legs, soft short hair and a short muzzle.

Long-term observations of specialists indicate that females are less allergenic than males. In addition, a small amount of allergens are released by kittens. Most often, an allergic reaction occurs to an animal with dark fur, regardless of its breed. The genetic nature of this property has not been identified, just like the reasons why there is an allergic reaction against sphinxes, although they lack hair. In addition, castration of males significantly reduces the release of allergens. It is characteristic that it is possible to determine the absence of “aggressive protein” in 1 out of 50,000 thousand cats, but this property is observed only in one generation and is not transmitted genetically.

Allergic reaction to cats in childhood

Parents are often concerned about whether it is possible for children to have an allergic reaction to cats, and whether this may be accompanied by negative consequences in future. How to find out that a baby has an individual intolerance to animals and what to do if you have an allergic reaction to cats?

If a child has allergies, it is necessary to prevent his contact with animals. An allergic reaction to kittens occurs much less frequently than to an adult and, as a rule, occurs in children older than 1 year. There is a very interesting opinion among some experts that with constant contact of older children with cats, this can have a positive effect in the future and signs of an allergy to cats will appear extremely rarely. However, such a theory is highly doubtful.

An allergy to cats in infants cannot manifest itself as a skin rash, unless the cat sleeps in the same crib. The most common signs of a cat allergy in a child are sneezing, rhinitis and watery eyes. In addition, a painful cough is possible.

The manifestation of negative symptoms can occur with varying intensity, but quite often the allergy is accompanied by an exacerbation of atopic dermatitis. Such symptoms can occur after contact with an animal, but may appear after 3-4 hours.

If it is determined that the baby is allergic to cat epithelium, you will have to find another owner for your beloved animal, otherwise it is likely to develop such dangerous complication as asthmatic syndrome.

It is important to remember that, in addition to restrictions on communication with animals, it is necessary to strengthen the child’s immunity. If a negative reaction is detected, but you really want to get a cat, you should ask your veterinarian which cats you are not allergic to, and then select the hairless cat you like from this list.

Course of allergies among adult patients

An adult does not immediately understand that he has an allergic reaction specifically to an animal, which significantly complicates the diagnosis, after which a decision is made on the form of the disease and how to treat the allergy further. As a rule, saliva, urine, and particles of the skin epidermis of cats become allergens.

Patients often ask the allergist the question, how does an allergy to cats manifest itself?

the primary signs of a negative allergic reaction include increased weakness and a hyperemic rash;
shortness of breath, severe cough;
discharge of mucus from the nose and frequent sneezing;
hyperemia in the scratched area;
increased lacrimation, unbearable itching;

sore throat;
Quincke's edema is extremely rare, the fight against which must begin immediately, because such a condition can threaten the patient's life.

Cough, rash and shortness of breath are possible as a result of toxocariasis (feline roundworm), but such symptoms are treated with completely different drugs. Therefore, before contacting an allergist, you should take your pet to the veterinarian for a more thorough examination.

Danger of cats during pregnancy

Everyone knows that a cat can pose a danger to women during pregnancy. Negative influence exposure of these animals to pregnant women is associated with the possibility of developing toxoplasmosis, the carriers of which are cats. For an adult, toxoplasmosis is not dangerous, but this disease can affect intrauterine development the fetus, and in especially severe cases, lead to its death.

It is important to consider that toxoplasmosis can only be transmitted through animal waste products, excluding airborne. Therefore, you should avoid direct contact with the cat (do not give food from your hands, do not kiss, etc.). In addition, it is not advisable for a pregnant woman to clean up after her pet, and it is best if future mom will pass by the cat litter box, leaving the opportunity for other family members to care for the cat.

It’s quite natural that you shouldn’t get a cat during pregnancy, but you also don’t need to get rid of your favorite pet that a woman is used to. For a domesticated pet, it is recommended to limit contact with other individuals, the cat's diet should be balanced, and all products should be heat-treated. In addition, it is recommended that the animal receive all necessary vaccinations.

Therapeutic measures

Treatment of allergies to cats can be performed using standard methods recommended for all allergic diseases. Similar methods include:

taking antihistamines (in adults - Erius, Claritin, Zyrtec, etc.), and for children from six months of age, the antihistamine drug Peritol is recommended, or you can use Loratadine syrup, as well as other drugs prescribed by a doctor, in accordance with the patient’s age;
glucocorticosteroids (Prednisolone, Hydrocortisone, etc.);
enterosorbents (Polipefan, Enterosgel);
homeopathic remedies (Karsat-EDAS, Cinnabsin, etc.);
immunotherapy drugs (Edem, Aleron, Cetrin), which effectively help get rid of negative symptoms and act directly on the cause of the allergy;

A course of vaccine prophylaxis is prescribed as a specific therapy. Allergy vaccination can relieve negative symptoms for a fairly long period of time.

However, you should remember that some drugs can cause side effects, so before taking this or that drug you should first consult your doctor. Besides therapeutic measures compliance is recommended proper nutrition, long walks and hardening procedures.

Folk methods. Often patients with hypersensitivity of the body ask the question: is it possible to cure allergies using traditional recipes? If the allergy symptoms are not very pronounced and proceed without complications, then a time-tested herbal treatment recipe is quite possible.

The most commonly used:

DANDELION JUICE. For cooking medicine It is recommended to grind the dandelion into a pulp and, wrapping this mass in gauze, squeeze out the juice, which is diluted cold water in equal proportion. The prepared solution should be brought to a boil, cooled and taken 3 tsp. 2 times during the day (15 minutes before meals). General course Taking this medicine is from 1 to 2 months.

TINCTURE FROM DUCKNESS. This remedy for cat allergies is quite effective. To prepare it, you need to chop fresh duckweed and 10 tbsp. spoons of herbs pour 0.5 liters. vodka, then let the solution brew in a dark place for at least 7 days. After the allotted time, the solution is filtered and taken orally, 15 drops 3 times during the day, after diluting the duckweed with water.

BATHS FROM MEDICINAL HERBS. To prepare medicinal baths, it is recommended to prepare a mixture of St. John's wort, string, celandine, sage, valerian root and chamomile. 5 tbsp. l. The prepared mixture must be poured into 1 liter. hot water and leave for at least half an hour. After this time, the broth is filtered and poured into the bathtub for bathing. The procedure is performed no more than 15 minutes once within 3 days. Herbal bath medicines have a calming, regenerating effect, and also effectively relieve itching and flaking of the skin.

It should be borne in mind that, despite the apparent safety of treatment using traditional medicine, you should consult a specialist before starting it. Your doctor will help you prevent side effects.

Diet

After an allergic reaction to cats has been determined, as well as during the initial symptoms of allergy, you should follow a special hypoallergenic diet, which helps normalize the gastrointestinal tract and the body’s protective functions.

Excluded in diet the following groups products:

salted and smoked;
canned and fatty;
sweet and bakery;
chocolate, raspberries, peaches, oranges and strawberries;
hot seasonings and spices, eggs;
alcohol, coffee, honey and tomatoes.

The diet should include a variety of cereals (with the exception of semolina), fresh vegetables (cabbage, cucumber) and fruits. In addition, dietary meat (rabbit, veal, turkey) is recommended. Regardless of whether you have an allergy, cooking in a steam bath is recommended. You can add extra virgin olive oil to salads.

Allowed to use fermented milk products without adding preservatives and dyes (ryazhenka, cottage cheese, kefir, etc.). If you wish, you can drink goat's milk, which contains a huge amount of microelements and vitamins.

Allergy prevention

Drug therapy significantly reduces the sensitivity of the immune system to allergen attack. However, if the patient continues to be in contact with the animal, the question of how to cure cat allergy remains open. First of all, such people should observe certain preventive actions:

It is necessary to limit contact with the animal (do not pick it up, do not pet the cat, etc.).
You should not allow your cat to sleep in the bed.
It is advisable to install effective air purifiers in your apartment.
It is recommended to regularly carry out wet cleaning of the room (at least 2-3 times a week), and also to wipe off dust, to which you may be allergic, as often as possible.
You should get rid of all “dust collectors” (carpets, upholstered furniture, curtains, etc.) that absorb a large number of wool and other allergens that can provoke an exacerbation of an allergic attack.
It is necessary to wash the animal frequently. In this case, this procedure should be performed by any family member, but not by an allergy sufferer.
A patient with hypersensitivity of the immune system should closely monitor their health and undergo timely examinations with an allergist. In the event that preventive measures do not lead to the desired result, you should consult with a highly professional specialist who will tell you how to deal with cat allergies using drug therapy to avoid complications.

Allergy to cats in children is especially dangerous due to its consequences, so it is necessary to use an extended test to find out the causative agent of the allergy and take adequate actions to relieve negative symptoms and prevent similar situations in the future. Under no circumstances should you self-medicate.

It is important to note that at present only the symptoms of the disease are neutralized, and there are no definitive ways to get rid of allergies. It will not be possible to get rid of allergies forever, but if you follow preventive measures, which are aimed at maximizing the prevention of all contacts with cats, it is quite possible to keep allergies under control.

AllergiyaNet.ru

Having a cat in the house may cause your child to develop allergies. The main reason - weakened immune system, but besides this, there are many factors that lead to the appearance and development of the disease.

To help your child, you need to study the disease and ways to solve the problem. About, how it manifests itself Allergy to cats in children, we will tell in the article.

How does milk allergy manifest in children? Find out about this from our article.

What exactly causes the reaction?

Causes allergies cat hair.

If a child touched an animal and held it in his arms, the disease will manifest itself within a few hours after contact with the cat.

In pet saliva, skin and urine contains a special protein it causes irritation of the skin and mucous membranes, being an allergen.

The wool accumulates protein, so after touching the animal a reaction occurs.

In addition, stand out additional factors that cause the disease:

Reduced immunity.
Genetic predisposition.
Increased sensitivity of the skin.
Dust that accumulates in an animal's fur.

Read about how to treat a child for a sweet allergy here.

Can it happen on hairless animals?

Allergies can occur to cats with or without fur.

As mentioned above, the main cause of allergies is not animal fur, but a protein secreted by the cat's body.

It can accumulate on the skin of hairless cats. If you pet this animal, the allergen will get on the child’s skin, which will cause an allergy.

Absolutely any breed of cat can cause this reaction. If a child is allergic to a cat, it should never be kept in the house, so as not to provoke an exacerbation of the disease.

How does a cat allergy manifest in children? Certain symptoms help identify the disease:

redness of the skin, mucous membranes;
the child begins to sneeze if there is a cat in the room;
If a baby pets a cat, his skin begins to itch and swell. Possible rash. The spots can be either small or large. As the disease progresses, they increase in size and become bright red;
In a room with a cat, the child experiences severe shortness of breath and coughing;
runny nose. Possible copious discharge from the nose.

Associated signs of manifestation are: dizziness, fever, weakness, indigestion. The baby becomes whiny. The longer the contact with the cat, the stronger the allergy will manifest itself.

Are children allergic to bananas? Find out the answer right now.

In a child, allergies are accompanied by sleep disturbances, appetite disturbances, and aggressiveness. The baby often cries and feels weak. For severe allergies Quincke's edema may occur, anaphylactic shock, nasal congestion.

In case of anaphylactic shock, only an emergency doctor can help the baby, since pharmaceutical drugs Sometimes they are powerless and require a therapeutic injection.

You need to monitor the baby's condition very carefully. If your baby is choking or there is severe swelling, call ambulance necessary.

If you are allergic to cats, The following reaction may also occur in other animals: hamsters, dogs, rabbits. The protein secreted by the body is similar in these animals, and dust can accumulate in their fur, so that a child will develop an allergy quickly. The symptoms are identical.

How to determine if a child is allergic to cats? The disease is diagnosed in the hospital by allergists.

It is impossible to diagnose on your own, since allergy symptoms are similar to other skin diseases.

In the hospital, the following are used to diagnose allergies:

Blood analysis.
Analysis of urine.
Skin biopsy.

Can a child be cured? medicines and folk remedies.

Drugs

Doctors prescribe medications for children who are allergic to cats that relieve itching, redness of the skin, swelling of the mucous membranes:

Zyrtec;
Zodak;
Claritin.

The child should be given half a tablet of one of the medications twice a day.

Take the drug only for the first five days to avoid complications due to overdose.

To combat the rash, according to allergists, you need to use ointments:

Bepanten;
Advantan;
La Cree.

The product is used morning and evening, apply a thin layer to the skin, lightly massaging.

Motherwort helps to heal. To do this, pour a tablespoon of crushed plant into a glass of boiling water and leave for two hours. Next, the product is filtered. They gargle up to five times a day. This will help relieve swelling of the mucous membranes and eliminate coughing.
Eliminates itching and redness of the skin with aloe. To do this, the aloe leaf is washed, cut lengthwise and applied to the painful area for ten minutes, then the aloe is removed and the skin is lightly wiped with a napkin. The procedure is performed twice a day.
Dandelion herb is effective in combating allergies.. The fresh plant is passed through a meat grinder and the juice is squeezed out. It needs to be diluted halfway with water. The resulting mixture is placed on low heat and brought to a boil. Then it must be removed from the heat and cooled. Take the medicine one teaspoon 2-3 times a day shortly before meals.

A child is allergic to a cat: what to do? If you are allergic to a cat, you will have to get rid of the animal in the house. otherwise the disease will take a severe form, Quincke's edema will appear, and this is a serious danger to the child's health.

While the cat is in the house, the baby will be in contact with the animal, which means the allergy will take a chronic form.

Thus, allergies to cats occur quite often in children and are accompanied by unpleasant symptoms.

Both pharmacy and folk remedies can help the baby.

The sooner treatment is started, the faster baby will recover, complications will be avoided.

You can find out whether you need to get rid of a cat in the house if your child has allergies from the video:

pediatrio.ru

Allergies to pets are observed in 4% of adults and 11% of children. More often, hypersensitivity manifests itself in the form of rhinitis and bronchial asthma, less often as a skin reaction. The prevalence of the disease is constantly increasing. It is believed that 57% of patients with bronchial asthma sensitization is associated with hypersensitivity to pet hair.

Patients try to get rid of allergies to cats using folk remedies and medications. Modern medicine suggests using more effective ways: allergen-specific immunotherapy and autolymphocytotherapy. Each method has advantages and disadvantages, but the main evaluation criterion is the duration of the remission period and complete recovery.

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Accurate diagnosis

Family doctors are the first to see adults and children with characteristic symptoms:

sneezing;
cough;
swelling and inflammation of the eyes;
watery nasal discharge;
difficulty breathing;
wheezing;
skin rashes;

These manifestations may occur due to hypersensitivity to epidermal allergens. The therapist’s task: to differentiate an allergic reaction to wool from other types of atopy, infectious diseases respiratory organs, eyes and skin. For this purpose, the patient is examined, a skin prick test or a blood test is performed for the presence of specific IgE antibodies to the Fel d 1 and 2 proteins.

Basic treatment tactics

The allergist has two goals:

1. Urgently relieve the patient of hypersensitivity symptoms.
2. Cure allergies forever.

Both problems are solved in parallel. The standard approach involves:

patient education;
elimination of allergen;
drug treatment;
setting up immunity (ASIT or ALT).

The first thing you need to do to successful treatment- This isolate the stimulus. To avoid contact with the animal, it, along with all accessories, is removed from the living space. Thoroughly washing your cat with shampoo will not rid your home of allergens, but will negatively affect your pet’s health. Within a day after bathing the animals, the concentration of Fel d 1 in the air is restored.

Carpets, bedspreads, pillows, curtains and textile tablecloths actively collect dust. The interior where an allergy sufferer lives should not have such decorative elements. After parting with pets and dangerous decor, a total wet cleaning and washing is carried out. Fighting dust will now become a daily ritual. One of the methods to reduce risk is to control all channels of wool entering the house, including with guests. They must come in clothes that do not come into contact with animals.

All measures to eliminate the allergen will not give immediate results. Even minimal concentrations of Fel d 1 in the midst of a crisis cause a reaction. You can reduce the indicator to a safe level after 5-6 months of daily cleaning after saying goodbye to your pet.

The role of tablets in treatment

Drug treatment for patients with hypersensitivity to cats is aimed at relieving symptoms. Pharmacy offers two ways:

1. Minimizing manifestations after the allergen enters the blood.
2. Barrier preventive methods.

Description of medications in tablets, capsules and powder:

Group of substances	Name	Symptomatic treatment	Action	Contraindications	Side effects
1st generation antihistamines	Pipolfen	Allergic reactions: swelling, urticaria, itching	Histamine H1 receptor blocker		Inhibition of reactions, suppression of reflexes
	Diphenhydramine			epilepsy; stomach ulcer; children under 15 years of age; pregnancy, lactation	inhibition of reactions; suppression of reflexes; multiple negative reactions nervous, genitourinary, digestive systems
	Fenistil			glaucoma; children under 13 years of age; pregnancy, lactation	dizziness; drowsiness; lethargy; dry mouth
	Diazolin			glaucoma; stomach ulcer; epilepsy; children under 3 years old; pregnancy, lactation	heartburn; dry mouth; nausea; dizziness; fainting; drowsiness
	Suprastin			acute attacks of asthma; arrhythmia; glaucoma; children under 3 years old; pregnancy, lactation	inhibition of reactions; suppression of reflexes; dizziness; drowsiness, lethargy; cramps, dry mouth
2nd generation antihistamines	Claritin	Hives	Selective blocker of peripheral histamine H1 receptors	Children under 2 years old	Drowsiness, headache, nervousness
	Akrivastine	hives; allergic dermatosis		Children under 12 years of age, lactation, pregnancy	attention disorder; drowsiness; headache; dizziness; nervousness
		hives; allergic rhinitis; allergic conjunctivitis		Children under 6 months, pregnancy, lactation	fatigue; dry mouth; headache
		Urticaria, allergic rhinitis		children under 12 years of age; pregnancy, lactation	fatigue; dry mouth; headache
	Terfenadine	edema; hives; allergic conjunctivitis		Kidney and liver failure; children under 6 years old; pregnancy, lactation	fatigue; dry mouth; headache
	Semprex	edema; hives; eczema; dermatitis		Kidney and liver failure; children under 12 years of age; pregnancy, lactation	Drowsiness
3rd generation antihistamines		hives; allergic rhinitis; allergic conjunctivitis		Kidney and liver failure; children under 2 years old; pregnancy, lactation	headache; fainting; convulsions; tachycardia; fatigue; dysuria
		Allergic rhinitis		Children under 12 years of age, pregnancy, lactation	headache; fainting; convulsions; nausea; tachycardia; diarrhea
	Trexil Neo			Children under 12 years of age, pregnancy, lactation	fatigue; dry mouth; headache
	Levocabastine	Allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis
		Allergic rhinitis, urticaria
	Fexofenadine	Allergic rhinitis, urticaria		Children under 12 years of age, pregnancy, lactation	fatigue; drowsiness; dry mouth; headache; nausea, diarrhea
	Loratadine	hives; allergic rhinitis; conjunctivitis; Quincke's edema; dermatitis		Children under 2 years old, pregnancy, lactation	Vomiting, dry mouth
	Dimetinden	hives; allergic rhinitis; conjunctivitis; dermatitis;		Children under 2 years old, pregnancy, lactation	fatigue; drowsiness; dry mouth
Mast cell membrane stabilizers	Sodium cromoglycate	Difficulty breathing, wheezing	Reduced excitability of mast cells	Children under 2 years old, pregnancy, lactation	Dizziness, insomnia, nausea
	Cromolyn sodium		Reduced excitability of mast cells	Children under 5 years old, pregnancy, lactation
	Ketotifen		Non-bronchodilating anti-asthmatic drug. Reduced excitability of mast cells	thrombocytopenia; children under 3 years old; pregnancy, lactation	increased appetite; sedative effect; dry mouth; dysuria
Hormonal drugs	Kestin (syrup)	hives; allergic rhinitis; dermatitis	Inhibitor of the effects of histamine release	children under 2 years old; pregnancy, lactation; renal failure	Drowsiness, dry mouth
Excipients	Calcium gluconate	Urticaria, dermatitis	Replenishment of calcium deficiency	Dehydration (diarrhea, nephrourolithiasis), children under one year old	Constipation, nausea, vomiting

Barrier medications are designed to protect against exposure to allergens. Medicines are made from microdispersed cellulose powder. At the point of spraying, they form a gel-like barrier film. The isolated nasal mucosa is not attacked. Nazaval helps to effectively combat the penetration of allergen into the blood.

Folk remedies for hypersensitivity

1. The use of folk remedies is based on observations, but has no scientific basis.
2. The mechanisms of action of herbs, bee products and other substances have not been clarified.
3. There is no list of contraindications and side effects for each treatment method.
4. Some recipes use strong allergens as raw materials.
5. There is no reliable evidence of effectiveness.

At the same time folk recipes are popular among people who do not use chemicals. In some cases, they resort to herbs when they do not want to see a doctor. This approach aggravates the course of the disease.

Before trying any of the traditional medicine remedies at home, you should consult an allergist.

Popular folk remedies:

Means	Application
Bee bar	They are purchased from apiaries in finished form. The beekeeping product contains a mixture of wax, pollen, honey, propolis, wax secretion and salivary glands bees To improve your health, chew 1 teaspoon per day.
Mumiyo	1 g of mumiyo is dissolved in 1 liter of water. Adults should take 100 ml of solution per day, children 50 ml per day. You can divide the portion into two doses - in the morning and before bed. Course - 2 times a year for 20 days
Dandelion juice	1. The leaves are passed through a meat grinder and squeezed out. 2. The juice is diluted with water 1:1 and brought to a boil. 3. Take 2 times a day, 3 spoons 20 minutes before meals. Course - 45 days
Dandelion and burdock roots	1. Pure roots are taken in equal proportions. Pass through a meat grinder. 2. Add 3 cups of water to 2 tablespoons of the mixture. 3. Leave overnight. 4. In the morning, boil the infusion for 10 minutes. 5. Drink 100 ml 4 times a day before meals. Course 45 days
Birch buds	1. A tablespoon of raw material is poured with 500 ml of water. 2. Boil for 20 minutes. 3. Take 100 ml of decoction at room temperature 4 times a day. Course of treatment - 30 days
Celery	Freshly squeezed juice is prepared from the roots and stalks of celery. Drink immediately after preparation, 100 ml 4 times a day. Course - 30 days

ASIT method

The problem of allergies to animal fur is radically solved by allergen-specific immunotherapy. IN medical practice ASIT has been widely introduced since the 1960s following the discovery of IgE antibodies. Its essence is the use of a weak solution of the allergen to form an adequate immune response and increase the adaptive level of the body.

It was found that the introduction of microdoses of the cause-related allergen promotes the production of blocking IgG antibodies. This reduces the likelihood of triggering a reaction with IgE antibodies. ASIT regulates the number of mast cells and the balance of Th1 and Th2 peptides.

ASIT makes it possible:

narrow the list of allergens;
achieve long-term remission;
transform the disease into a milder form;
reduce the consumption of pharmacological drugs.

Research results show that complex treatment using the ASIT method and medications is 1.86 times more effective than pharmacotherapy. The number of cases of suffocation when exposed to microdoses of cat epithelial allergens is reduced by 1.5 times compared to conventional treatment. The effectiveness of ASIT in the international community according to criteria evidence-based medicine rated as level 1a.

Treatment regimen

After the stage of diagnosis and identification of the allergen, allergen-specific tolerance is developed. To do this, an ever-increasing dose of the allergen is administered subcutaneously or dropwise under the tongue.

The doctor develops an administration schedule individually. For 3-6 months, the allergen is taken every other day. It is important not to use antihistamines during this period.

At the stage of consolidation of the effect, the intake of the stimulus is increased to 1 time every 2 weeks. The duration of this period is individual, the maximum period does not exceed 5 years.

Contraindications

This treatment method is used in children over 5 years of age. Not earlier than 30 days after the last exacerbation. Begin in the fall, when the chances of irritation from other sources are minimal.

ASIT is not performed in cases:

pregnancy;
immunodeficiency;
oncological diseases;
inability to use epinephrine as a safety net;
at severe forms bronchial asthma.

ALT method

Autolymphocytotherapy is a method of treating allergies by introducing the patient’s own blood lymphocytes. As a result, sensitivity to irritating factors decreases.

Lymphocytes are immune cells. They are obtained after physical purification of 8 ml venous blood. The concentrate is diluted with saline solution. In cases of hypersensitivity to cats, the drug is administered subcutaneously. Adults are prescribed 8 injections per month, children - 6. The duration of stable remission is about 5 years.

The method is effective in 98% of cases. Doesn't call side effects, safe.

Contraindications to ALT are:

pregnancy;
lactation;
oncological diseases;
exacerbation of chronic diseases;
immunodeficiency.

Conclusion

Along with drug treatment allergies to cats, folk remedies and immunotherapy methods are widely used. While doctors do not have the ability to permanently rid a person of the disease, it is possible to achieve long-term remission and reduce the immune response to the allergen.