Not all allergies that occur in childhood are of food origin, as you know, since we are also exposed to environmental allergens such as pollen, or mold. And in this sense, it is worth noting the allergy to hair animals, and to a lesser extent, feather, which would cause a respiratory or cutaneous condition of different severity depending on the affected.
That is why we have decided to delve a little deeper into this issue, which has nothing to do with possible allergic reactions to animal proteins or insect bites. Surely you know people who have had to make a decision because of the allergy caused by contact with their pets, of which cats usually have the most allergic problems.
The origin of this type of allergies is mostly dandruff, and they are caused by direct or indirect contact (through other people) with the animalIt is estimated that around 10 percent of the general population is allergic to pets, and among those affected by asthma, 30% have pictures of these allergies, so it is an aspect to consider the fact that the responsible allergens are contained in dandruff, or also in the saliva or feathers of the animal.
What if the pet is the cause of allergy in children?
As I said, cats - followed by dogs - are (due to a greater presence in homes) the animals that most often cause allergies to children, although any hair animal can potentially cause these problems.
The animals renew the skin, which leads to a detachment of small scales that remain in the air and are inhaled. It is the allergy diagnostic tests that will determine the main cause, so It is not worth making rash decisions, or making conjectures.
Without going to an allergist it is difficult to imagine the cause, since the allergy may have developed from indirect contacts, and the subsequent appearance (sometimes it takes months / years to develop) of symptoms sure surprises us (when it does not baffle us ). That is, from the development of the disease, any direct or indirect contact in closed or open spaces may cause some type of related symptomatology.
What is an indirect contact?
The dandruff (scales) we have talked about are not only in the air, exposing potentially allergic people, but They are also carried by adults or children who have been in direct contact with animals, or in places with some kind of animal presence. Sometimes, even cat skin scales have been found in homes that have never had one of these cats.
Symptoms of animal allergy
The picture coincides with that presented against other environmental substances, and the symptoms are not always immediate. The affected child will have rhinitis, conjunctivitis, hives, sneezing, itching or even mucosal inflammation. However they do not have to appear daily, and it also happens that causing the allergy an inflammation, the airways become more sensitive to stimuli such as pollution; This is why acute symptoms do not always occur in the presence of the animal, but also due to exposure to the stimulus.
Treatment of animal allergy
Once the problem is diagnosed, the doctor may prescribe a preventive treatment to avoid reactions, as well as rescue medication (crisis relief) such as antihistamines or bronchodilators. As a general rule it is recommended not to have contact with the animal, that is, find the pet another home where they want it as much as we do. It may be the home of some friends, grandparents, but ... the 'but' is that this is not so easy, because there are many implications that make this decision difficult.
There is specific immunotherapy (vaccines) but they are usually given to allergy sufferers who have no choice but to maintain contact with different animals.
I have not talked about 'getting rid of the animal', but still, if we are going to allow it to stay at home, ...
The affected child I couldn't get close to the cat's sandpit, nor brush hair to dogs or cats (something that is as relaxing for the recipient of the caresses as for the one who gives them). And much less sleep with him or receive licks. In addition, other people who share the house with pets and affected animals should wash their hands when they pet or play with the first one (be it cat, dog or hamster).
The child's room will become prohibited territory for the inhabitants of four legs (or two with feathers), and it will always be well ventilated.
Nor will the child be allowed to help clean bird cages or small rodents
There are air purifiers, and vacuum cleaners with specific filters that can help us minimize the impact, in any case, you should consult your doctor and ask for more information in the store, or directly to the manufacturer.
Is the risk avoided by adopting animals without hair or feathers?
Experts recommend the absence of exposure to any type of animal, since the scales that release the skin are not only hair dandruff, but also birds (although their incidence is lower) and reptiles can cause allergy, more Outstanding, yes.
It is true that there are information that speak of dog breeds whose skin contains less allergens (Maltese, Chinese Crested, Schanauzers ...), and that Sphinx cats barely have hair. In any case it is advisable to inform and know how to understand the differences, which will help us make the best decision.
When there is no choice but to take the children's playmate away from home, it is a matter of attending to the feelings of our children, and avoiding the blame; The latter implies preventing the siblings of the allergic child from pointing to him as the cause of the withdrawal. That, and ensure that it is not too hard for the animal, so let's look for a cozy home, and provide its new owners, their objects (toys, bed, blankets, etc.); We could also schedule visits, always ensuring that the allergic avoids contact with a house in which there will be a sure presence of animal dander.
I would also like to comment that the evolution of the allergy cannot be predicted, and even if it remits over time, it would not be convenient to expose the person to the allergens again; because of the risk of developing symptoms again.
And finally, despite all the above, that pets are allergic to a part of the population, does not mean that any child or adult living with pets, will develop this disease. In fact there are investigations that relate early exposure to animals with increased immunization (although it is a controversial issue that also has detractors).
So if you have cats, dogs, guinea pigs or parakeets at home, enjoy them; Concern should only appear when allergy symptoms appear in contact with an animal, or when allergy tests tell us exactly that the problem lies in these wonderful beings who accompany us every day, asking very little in return.
Images | Acy Varlan, Mike Baird More information | SEICAP, Kids Health In Peques and More | The cat, a good pet for children: precautions to take into account, Are our children prepared to have a pet? Can you prevent allergies in children?
