ENJOY YOUR PETS Without the Annoying Symptoms by Dr. Sara Penton T
here is nothing more fulfilling than owning a pet and experi- encing the joy that they bring.
However, if you are like the many people who suffer when they play with their furry friends, you are not alone.
Reactions to pets are quite com- mon and can make living with your best friends difficult. It is estimated that 10% of the entire population may have reactions of some sort to ani- mals. More than 70% of homes in the U.S. have a dog or cat. According to the Asthma and
Allergy Foundation of America, 15- 30% of people with allergies have an allergy to dogs, cats, or other animals. Cats are the most common cause of pet allergies, and approximately 10 million people in the U.S. are allergic to cats. According to the Humane So- ciety, an estimated one third of people who are allergic to cats (about two million people) live with at least one cat in their home anyway. Common symptoms can range
from respiratory problems and asthma to congestion and sneezing to red itchy eyes or skin rashes or hives with either casual or direct contact. Some people react immediately while oth- ers have a delayed reaction of up to several hours after exposure. Reactions and symptoms can
come from the skin cells that the animals shed (dan- der) or their saliva. Dander can be a very big problem because it is so small and can stay in the air for a long time, which can increase the exposure. Dander and pet saliva can stick to furniture, clothing, bedding, carpets, and rugs where it can be picked up repeat- edly. Reactions
can happen months after the allergen has come to rest on the floor or on other surfaces. Even homes that do not have any pets can still cause reactions for people with pet sensitivities since pet dander can enter the house on clothing or remain stuck in the carpets. According to WebMD, 39% of US households own one or more dogs and 36% own one or more cats, but almost 100% of the households have detectable levels of cat or dog dander. Cat and dog dander can be found in homes for months or even years after the pets were removed. Even if the animal is mostly outdoors, the levels
can still be high in the home. There are some breeds of dogs and cats that are thought to be hypoal- lergenic, however this is not fully the case. People may be less reactive because the animal doesn’t shed, but they can still react to the dander or sa- liva of the animal. All pet hair can still collect dust, molds, pollens and other airborne allergens that can cling to the pet hair causing allergic reactions. The benefits of owning pets and the companionship they bring to an individual or family is beyond mea- sure. If you experience symptoms when with your household pets, here
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