The relationship between cat allergies, hives and asthma | health care online

Cats are important members of the family because they love each other very much. Unfortunately, they were also very cheerful. No less than 25% of the population is allergic to cats. In addition, up to 29% of asthma cases may be related to cat allergies.

Allergic to cats

A common misconception is that cat hair causes allergies. But the main cause is a protein called “Fel D1” which is excreted through the cat’s fur and saliva. and spread throughout the body when cleaning itself Pet saliva can reach more places than you think: It can stick. to bedding, carpets, furniture, and even clothing.

Allergens are also found in hair and skin cells. (dander) that cats shed Dandruff is small. And can float in the air for a long time, making it easy to breathe in. It can also be gathered into fabric and clothing so that it can be taken anywhere.

Pet allergy symptoms often occur in and around the nasal passages. After inhaling the allergen The most common symptoms are:

• Red eyes, watery eyes, itchy eyes
• Dermatitis under the eyes
• stuffy nose
• sneeze
• Itchy throat
• cough
• runny nose
• sinus pain and pressure
• not sleeping well

Hives in cat allergy

In addition to nasal symptoms Some people may also show symptoms of contact dermatitis, which is an immune system reaction that causes Inflamed, red, and irritated skin

When people with allergies come into contact with With saliva or cat danderThe immune system responds to protect the body by releasing histamine, a chemical produced by the body to fight outside invaders. The red rash or itching that occurs on the skin is a direct result of allergens stimulating a local immune response.

Cat allergies and asthma

According to a 2007 study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 29% of asthma cases may be related to cat allergens. If this happened to you The most common symptoms are:

• You’ll have difficulty breathing when you’re near a cat.
• You will feel pain or tightness in your chest.
• You will hear a whistling sound when breathing.
• You will have a cough.
• You won’t sleep well.

How to treat it

If you know you are allergic to cats The best thing you can do for your health is to avoid the presence of cats. This method will not cure your allergy symptoms. But it will significantly reduce annoying symptoms and asthma symptoms. This can be dangerous if the symptoms are very severe. Your doctor or allergist can prescribe medications that can help manage symptoms. When you can’t avoid being around cats Some suggestions might be:

Your doctor or allergist may also prescribe medication.

• Antihistamines to control the immune response to allergies
• Decongestants to reduce nasal inflammation
• Corticosteroids to control inflammation
• cromolyn sodium It is a nasal spray that blocks the release of histamine.
• Leukotriene modifiers, which inhibit the production of chemicals that cause airway constriction and excess mucus production.

You can still talk about vaccines. Anti-allergy or immunotherapy with your doctor This type of treatment involves injecting a small amount of the cat’s allergen. This can reduce your immune system’s response and relieve your symptoms. You will need to discuss all options with your doctor. including side effects that may occur from treatment