Some pets bring about some allergies. Some people suffer from these allergies because of their pets. Here are some facts, figures and commentaries you need to consider when you have to take allergy relief steps.
Individuals with allergies and allergy-induced asthma are allergic to more than one allergen (substances triggering the body’s reaction). Other allergens include mold, mildew, pollen, dust and dust mites, plants, foods, cosmetics.
Allergy sufferers can have varying degrees of sensitivity to different allergens. Whether someone displays symptoms depends on how many of the offending allergens are in the environment at the same time; in combination, they can exceed the individual’s allergy threshold, triggering allergic reactions.
It’s easy for doctors to make the generic, age-old recommendation to “get rid of pets.” However, even when it’s certain that a person is allergic to dog or cat dander, saliva and urine, it’s wrong to assume that eliminating an animal will free the person from future symptoms.
Clearly, it’s important to be aware of all of the individual’s allergy triggers and take steps to minimize exposure. Other measures should be tried before giving up a family pet.
Many families have described the sad experience of giving up a pet on the recommendation of a physician, only to find out that the child (or other family member) still experiences allergic reactions. They wish they had first tried other measures to manage the family member’s allergy.
While there are some situations in which the allergic person suffers such severe symptoms that rehoming the pet is among the steps necessary, in more cases, the allergy sufferer and pet can coexist comfortably in the same household by taking sensible, practical measures.
In recent years, science has advanced the understanding and management of allergies and asthma, enabling most families to keep pets in the home. Successful management combines good hygiene, diligent cleaning, air quality management, sensible pet handling, and prudent use of safe, effective medications.
Find an allergy specialist who understands your commitment to living with your pet. Your specialist will develop a plan to help manage the allergy/asthma and prevent allergic episodes.
Regardless of exposure to animals, a good allergy management plan includes prescription medications. Great strides have been made in allergy and asthma medicines in recent years, so be sure to consult with an allergy/asthma specialist.
Medical treatments for pet allergy symptoms include steroid and antihistamine nose sprays and pills. Asthma management typically involves a combination of preventive and symptom control medications, often in inhaler form.
Allergy sufferers should always keep their medications on hand and make sure to refill prescriptions before the expiration dates. Don’t wait for symptoms to get out of hand. Use medications as prescribed to prevent the onset of problems, from sneezing, coughing and other respiratory symptoms to the airway constriction associated with asthma.
Reactions to airborne allergens tend to peak between 4 a.m. to 10 a.m., so it’s advisable to take medications before bedtime.
Giving up a pet without making a committed effort to first try other measures teaches children that pets are disposable. It also sends messages of helplessness and that there’s only one way to solve a problem.
And all too often, giving up the pet does not solve the allergy problem. Particularly when the allergic symptoms persist, the child shares a feeling of failure. If the child shared a bond with the animal, the loss will also serve as an unhappy life-lesson. Parting with a beloved animal companion is an emotionally wrenching experience.