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Welcome to our
Allergic to the One You Love
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Living with Allergies to AnimalsThere was a time when people with allergies were advised more often than not to get rid of their companion animals. Today, physicians and psychologists are increasingly recognizing the importance of the human-animal bond to our well being, medically, psychologically and spiritually. Eighty-one percent of allergists who live with animals themselves now encourage their allergic patients to find ways to coexist healthily with their animals. With a little effort, you may be able to allergy-proof your home and your companion animal, get your allergies under control and continue to care for your best friend. What Are Allergies?An allergy is an overreaction by your immune system to an otherwise harmless substance that acts as an irritant. ontact with an allergy-causing substance (allergen) triggers production of the antibody immunoglobulin E. IgE causes immune cells in the mucous lining of your eyes and airways to release inflammatory substances, including histamine. In asthma, these chemicals cause secretion of mucus and narrowing and swelling of the lining of your airways. This leads to wheezing, coughing and sometimes shortness of breath. When histamine is released in your nose and, rarely, your sinuses, it produces the familiar symptoms of allergy itchy, red and swollen eyes, a stuffy or runny nose, frequent sneezing and cough. Substances found outdoors, indoors and in the foods you eat can cause allergic reactions. The most common allergens are inhaled. These include pollen, dust mites and mold. Allergens can also be found in animal fur, dander (dried skin particles), urine, feces, and saliva. They can be carried on clothing and can stay in carpeting and furniture for as much as six months.What You Can DoFirst, make sure it's really your animal that you are allergic to. Researchers at the University of British Columbia found that only one-half to two-thirds of children who tested positive for allergies to dogs or cats were actually allergic to them. The main reservoirs of cat allergens are carpets, drapes, upholstered furniture, mattresses, walls, and ceilings, which catch dust and dander. Carpets hold 100 times more allergen than non-porous flooring. Consider replacing carpets with something else such as tile, wood, linoleum, or scatter rugs that can be taken up and washed, especially in rooms you spend a lot of time in such as your bedroom. If you must have carpets, spray them with a product containing nontoxic tannic acid which helps combat the effects of some allergens. You can increase your vacuum cleaner's filtration abilities by using special filter replacement bags that help trap particles or look for a vacuum cleaner that has a high allergen containment rating. Inexpensive vinyl encasing for mattress and box springs will not allow the fabric to hold these allergens. Minimize upholstered furniture. Wash walls, ceilings, blankets, curtains and throw pillows regularly. Declare your bedroom off limits to animals by closing the door at all times. Provide them with their own comfortable beds and blankets instead.After petting your animal, wash your hands before touching your eyes or face. If possible, have non-allergic people groom and bathe the animal and clean the litter box. Grooming should be done in a well-ventilated area. Beware of dusty or deodorized cat litter, which can be as allergenic as the cat. An air purifier will help rid the air of allergens. Look for a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter room air cleaner, which removes almost 100 percent of small allergenic particles. Freestanding cleaners are better than the small, tabletop filters. Remember to replace the filters often. Keep ducts, furnaces, and air conditioner filters clean. Circulate air in the house by opening windows every day. Healthy animals produce less dander so be sure to feed them a high-quality diet. Be thorough in cleaning. Search out dust, mold and animal hair. People are rarely allergic to just animals. If you're allergic to an animal, you're probably also allergic to other substances. By decreasing these irritants, you'll reduce your overall symptoms. Avoid tobacco smoke and automobile exhaust that can inflame your airways. Your Family Physician Can HelpNew medications can make living with allergies and animals much more comfortable. There are a wide variety of nasal sprays, antihistamines, decongestants, and inhalers that can help control allergy symptoms. Your family physician or allergist can help you choose the right medication for you. Immunotherapy induces a tolerance to cat or dog allergen by gradually increasing the dose. Studies show that immunotherapy can now be effective in about 80 percent of cases. . In addition, new allergy shots are more effective than ever. Talk with your family physician for more information. Certain nutritional supplements and herbs can also minimize an allergic response. Among them are vitamins A, B6, C, and E; quercetin, a bioflavonoid; flax seed oil, which contains omega-3 fatty acids; MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) and gingko. A holistic health care practitioner can give you informaion on these treatment methods.Bob DeFranco is an applied animal behaviorist and executive director of the Animal Behavior Center of New York in Queens. Questions? Write PO Box 7623 Rego Park NY 11374 or E-mail bob@canines.com. | |||||
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