Archive for the ‘animals’ Category

Diagnosis Methods For Animal Allergies

Tuesday, January 6th, 2009

Determining the specific allergen that is causing an allergic reaction can be difficult. A physician will compile a medical history and a list of symptoms in trying to diagnose an animal allergy. A physical examination will also be performed. If an animal allergy is suspected, physicians may have patients fill out a questionnaire about their frequency of exposure to animals, symptoms and possible triggers.

A patient may be asked to avoid the animal for several weeks or longer, if possible, to see if allergy symptoms subside. However, this is usually considered to be unreliable because animal dander can persist in a home for months after an animal has been removed from the home.

There are two scientific methods used to determine animal allergies: through the skin and through the blood. Because the skin is the body’s most sensitive organ, it reacts quickly to allergens. Through skin testing, usually by a prick to the skin on the arm (allergy skin test), the physician can determine if the patient is allergic to animal dander.

If a skin test for dander is negative, the physician may test for other allergens such as saliva, urine and epithelium (a type of tissue). If the test results are inconclusive, the suspected allergen may be injected beneath the skin’s surface (intradermal test) to yield better results.

In some animal allergies, reactions take the form of a skin rash and are more difficult to diagnose. A blood test called a radioallergosorbent (RAST) test takes longer to yield results, but it may be able to definitively pinpoint the allergen causing a reaction.

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Signs and Symptoms of Animal Allergies

Monday, January 5th, 2009

Animal allergy symptoms are much the same as symptoms for other types of allergies. They may occur year-round and are not dependent on the seasons, like some pollen and mold allergies. People may experience one or several allergic symptoms, including:

* Red, watery itchy eyes
* Eczema (flaky, scaly, itchy pink patches on the skin)
* Hives or welts
* Watery nasal discharge
* Sneezing
* Sore throat
* Coughing
* Wheezing
* Shortness of breath
* Chest pain or tightness

Some people experience allergic reactions to animals within a few minutes of being exposed to them. Others may take from eight to 12 hours before their symptoms become full-blown.

The severity of allergic reactions to animals varies between patients. Rarely, some people with animal allergies experience anaphylaxis. This is a serious and possibly life-threatening allergic reaction that requires emergency medical attention. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

* Shortness of breath
* Tightness in the chest
* Swelling of the lips, face, throat or tongue (angioedema)
* Lowered blood pressure

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Animal Allergies: Related Allergies and Conditions

Sunday, December 28th, 2008

Animal allergies are related to a number of other conditions, including other allergies. People with pollen or dust mite allergies may be more likely to also have animal allergies. Also, people with outdoor allergies might experience reactions after contact with an outdoor animal, even if they do not have an animal allergy. This is because outdoor allergens such as pollen and mold can get caught in animal fur.

Specific allergies are not inherited, but the tendency to develop an allergy is inherited. If a parent is allergic to dander, for instance, a child has a higher likelihood of developing an allergy of some type, although not necessarily to dander. The risk of developing an allergy is much higher if both parents have allergies. People who are prone to develop allergies are said to be atopic.

Some of the common conditions related to animal allergies are:

* Allergic rhinitis. An inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the nose causing nasal congestion, sniffling and sneezing. Animal allergens can cause allergic rhinitis.

* Allergic conjunctivitis. An inflammation of the tissue lining the inside of the eyelid that produces irritation and tearing of the eyes. Animal allergies can cause acute allergic conjunctivitis symptoms.

* Contact dermatitis. An inflammation of the skin that is caused by direct contact with an allergen. A red, bumpy rash may appear when the skin comes into direct contact with an animal.

* Asthma. A condition in which breathing airways become blocked or narrowed, causing shortness of breath and breathing difficulty. Animal allergens can cause acute and chronic asthma symptoms. The incidence of asthma-like symptoms in cat owners is significantly higher than those who are exposed to other animals. There is also evidence to suggest that people with animal allergies are at increased risk of developing asthma.

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Potential Causes of Animal Allergies

Friday, December 26th, 2008

Animal allergies are most often caused by three things: dander, saliva and urine. These are considered types of allergens because they can trigger an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.

Dander is tiny flakes of dead skin that animals continually shed. Proteins that are secreted by oil glands in the animal’s skin are also attached to this dander. Because animals are constantly shedding dander, allergens are deposited around any area in which the animal is present. In contained areas, such as a home, the accumulation of dander is more likely to trigger an allergic reaction in people with animal allergies. However, dander is also deposited within the living environment of other animals (e.g., horses, cows) and pests (e.g., rats, mice).

With most animals, the hair or fur has nothing to do with the allergy response. A short-haired animal can cause as many allergy problems as a long-haired animal. Therefore, there is no such thing as a “hypoallergenic” pet or animal. Hairless breeds of cats, for instance, can still be highly allergenic. However, some types of animals may shed less than others, and people with mild allergies may better tolerate these animals.

Animal saliva is another primary cause of allergy symptoms – especially with animals that groom themselves frequently, such as cats. Allergens dry on the fur after grooming and then these dried substances become airborne. Since the allergens are very light, they can stay in the air a long time. They are also sticky and can adhere to furniture, walls, carpet and other textured surfaces.

Animal urine can also cause allergy symptoms – most commonly in pets with enclosed environments (such as indoor cats, guinea pigs, hamsters). An allergy-causing protein is present in the animal’s urine. As the urine dries, these allergens are released into the air and can trigger an allergic reaction.

Because different animals exude different proteins, there is not one specific protein that causes an allergic reaction. A person could therefore be allergic to mice but not to rats and vice versa.

Many other animals (such as gerbils, horses, cattle, sheep, deer, birds, reptiles and fish) have been known to cause allergic reactions. Also, animal allergies may be triggered by products made from animals, such as wool, down jackets and comforters, feather pillows, fur coats and some upholstery.

Bird allergies are similar to other animal allergies. Allergens are released as the birds molt, preen themselves and shake feather debris into the air. Bird allergies are also associated with bird urine and droppings.

People can also be allergic to cockroach debris – material that includes outer coverings, saliva, eggs and droppings from cockroaches. Like dust mites, cockroach debris can be found in house dust and bedding.

In some people, insect bites or stings can provoke serious or life-threatening reactions (anaphylaxis). Symptoms may include extensive swelling, nausea, fatigue and fever, and anaphylaxis may include trouble breathing, hives, rapid pulse or drop in blood pressure.

People with animal allergies can safely keep pets without fur or feathers, such as fish, snakes, turtles, lizards, frogs, spiders and hermit crabs. Although fish are usually well tolerated, it is important to note that aquariums can add to the humidity in a room, resulting in an increase in mold and dust mites. An additional concern is that fish food powders are often made from seafood, a common allergen.

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About Animal Allergies

Wednesday, December 24th, 2008

People with animal allergies have allergic reactions after coming into contact with one or more animals to which they are sensitive. Contrary to popular perception, it is not the animal’s fur that causes most allergic reactions. Rather, it is flakes of skin (dander) and dried urine, saliva or blood proteins that most often trigger an allergic reaction. Reactions are also possible with non-fur animals such as birds and insects.

An animal allergy occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to a normally harmless substance associated with the animal, usually some type of protein from its dander, saliva or urine. These miniscule proteins are carried through the air, where they can land on the lining of the nose or eyes. They can also be inhaled directly into the lungs. Once the protein enters the body, it starts a cascade of events that triggers the immune system and eventually leads to an allergic reaction.

How this reaction manifests itself often depends on the individual. An allergic reaction can affect the skin, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system or even the heart and blood vessels. Physical symptoms include sneezing, watery eyes andAsthma is a chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes that can lead to breathing problems runny nose. They can also include sore throat, coughing, blotchy skin and other symptoms that may be confused with other causes, such as colds and flu. In addition, animal allergies can trigger asthma attacks in susceptible people. Studies have shown that up to 67 percent of children with asthma are sensitive to animal allergens.

Direct contact with an animal is not needed to develop an allergy. Flakes from dander, saliva and urine products are extremely lightweight and easily become attached to larger particles, which can become airborne or stick to surfaces or objects. These particles remain in the environment for weeks or even months after an animal has departed.

In fact, an animal does not have to live within a home for its allergens to be present. Researchers have documented the presence of animal allergens in homes, office buildings and other environments where animals did not live. In some cases, the amount of animal allergen found was quite high. Therefore, people can experience an allergic reaction to an animal without ever having to touch it or even be near the animal.

Animal allergies may not develop quickly, and it is not unusual for animal allergies to take more than two years to develop. Allergies occur when a person’s body begins to produce a specific type of antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE) to combat the allergen.

This process, known as sensitization, does not usually trigger allergy symptoms at first. However, when a person has become sensitized, the next exposure to the allergen can trigger an allergic reaction. The allergen comes into contact with IgE antibodies, which are attached to specialized white blood cells called mast cells. The mast cells release histamine and other chemicals that cause symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes and coughing.

It can take weeks or even several years to create a new antibody, which is the reason why people may not be allergic to their puppy until it becomes an adult dog. In addition, puppies and kittens have no old skin to shed and therefore produce less dander. Some people may be able to tolerate baby animals but not adults. Why some people develop allergies and others do not is unknown, and research is ongoing.

One study suggests that exposure to animals during early childhood may decrease the risk of developing allergies. Researchers found that children exposed to cats or dogs during their first year of life were less than 50 percent as likely to develop animal allergies by the time they were 6 or 7 years of age.

Specific allergies are not inherited. However, a person’s risk of developing an allergy (of any type) increases if a parent has an allergy. So, a child whose parent is allergic to dog dander is more likely to develop an allergy of some type, although not necessarily to dog dander.

Some people report that they have outgrown their animal allergies once they reach adulthood. This is believed to be an illusion because once the body becomes sensitized to an animal allergen, it stays that way for life. However, symptoms can taper off in older age. The immune system weakens and the body is not strong enough to react to the same allergies it did during childhood and young adulthood.

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Animal Allergies

Monday, December 22nd, 2008

An estimated 70 percent of people in the United States live with animals in their homes, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). For many people, this contact results in nothing out of the ordinary. However, the ACAAI estimates 10 percent of people experience an allergic reaction as the result of an animal allergy. This figure is just an estimate – the actual number of animal-sensitive people may be 20 percent or even higher, according to other sources.

Animal allergies can result in a number of physical reactions, including runny nose, watery eyes, hives or skin rash, and difficulty breathing. There is also a strong link between animal allergies and asthma, as well as other allergies, such as pollen or dust.

Because people are most likely to have dogs and cats in their homes as pets, dog and cat allergies are the most common animal allergies treated and discussed. However, people may be allergic to all types of animals, including other types of pets (e.g., rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, rodents, ferrets, birds) and non-household animals (e.g., horses, cows, pigs, moles). In addition, people may react to urine and droppings from animals, including birds, rodents and insects, as well as insect bites and stings.

Animal allergies may also be triggered by products made from animals. This list includes feather pillows and some upholstery (though allergies associated with these are far more likely to be triggered by dust mites).

Animal allergies can appear at any stage in life. A person’s risk of developing an allergy (of any type, including animals) rises if a parent has an allergy (of any type). Treating animal allergies usually begins with avoidance, if possible, but it may include management strategies that can reduce the level of allergens within a person’s home or immunotherapy.

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Allergies Herbs and Supplements

Saturday, December 20th, 2008

Allergies occur when the body reacts to a substance refinance home mortgage rates is usually harmless. An allergy refers to an exaggerated reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. Almost 40 percent of the human population will suffer from allergies at some point in their lives. It is estimated that about 50 million North Americans are affected by allergic conditions. The cost of allergies in the United States is more than $10 billion dollars yearly. Allergic rhinitis (nasal allergies) affects about 35 million Americans, 6 million of whom are children. Asthma affects 15 million Americans, 5 million of whom are children. The number of cases of asthma has doubled over the last 20 years.

The common misunderstanding about allergies is that it can be only caused by allergens. Although allergens may be the precipitating event that causes allergenic symptoms, the fundamental problem is a compromised, weakened and out-of-balance immune system as a result of food and lifestyle mismanagement.

The immune system is the body’s organized defense mechanism against foreign invaders, particularly infections. Its job is to identify and react to these foreign substances, which are called antigens. Antigens are substances that are competent of causing the production of antibodies. Antigens may or may not lead to an allergic reaction. Allergens are certain antigens that cause an allergic reaction and the production of IgE. The aim of the immune system is to mobilize its forces at the site of invasion and destroy the enemy. Examples of allergens include pollens, molds, dust mite, danders, and foods.

Allergies can develop at any age, possibly even in the womb. They normally occur in children but may give rise to symptoms for the first time in adulthood. Asthma may persist in adults while nasal allergies tend to decline in old age.

The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, skin, lungs and stomach. Although the various allergic diseases may appear different, they all result from an exaggerated immune response to foreign substances in sensitive people.

Allergies can come from various sources. This being the case, it is not quite simple to come up with a single treatment plan that covers all type of allergy, most allergies are acquired after birth. Allergy relief can be found in many different shapes and forms of medications, both those available over the counter at your local drugstore or pharmacy or those that are prescribed by your physician. The best solution to keep away from triggering allergies is to avoid coming in contact with the specific allergen that affects the individual.

Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) is the most common of the allergic diseases and refers to seasonal nasal symptoms that are due to pollens. The symptoms are sneezing, often accompanied by a runny or clogged nose, coughing and postnasal drip, itching eyes, nose and throat, allergic shiners and others. Year round or perennial allergic rhinitis is usually due to indoor allergens, such as dust mites, animal dander, or molds

Asthma is a breathing problem that fallout from the inflammation and spasm of the lung’s air donate a car (bronchial tubes). The inflammation causes a thinning of the air passages, which limits the flow of air into and out of the lungs. Asthma is most often, but not always, related to allergies. Common symptoms include are a feeling of tightness in the chest, breathlessness, difficulty inhaling and exhaling, coughing and noisy breathing.

Hives (urticaria) are skin reactions that appear as itchy swellings and can occur on any part of the body. Allergic eczema is an allergic rash that is usually not caused by skin contact with an allergen which symptoms are itching, redness, and or dryness of the skin, rash on the face and eyes.

There are many effective medicine are available for the treatment of allergies now it is on you to choose the right one for your allergy problem by consulting with your doctor. By the combination of avoidance, proper food and right medicine make you free from allergy as there are so many highly quality nutritional supplements that can be helpful like Vitamin C which has natural antihistamine effect. Vitamin C commonly thought of mainly in prevention of colds, flu and scarlet fever, is being rediscovered for help in allergies. Vitamin C has been used with much success in high doses to eradicate specific allergies. Quercitin which also has a natural antihistamine effect which relieve allergy symptoms. Supplements like Methylsulfonylmethane MSM it reduces allergic and inflammatory responses and Stinging nettles which may effective for hay fever.

Eyebright was and continues to be used primarily as a poultice for the topical treatment of eye inflammations. Essential fatty acids (EFA) which may reduce inflammatory responses associated with allergies. Thymus extract also a good herbs relieving allergies, including asthma, hay fever and food allergies. Probiotics feed the cells lining the colon to enhance health and resistance to penetration of potential allergens. Spirulina protect against allergic reactions by inhibiting the release of histamines.

Supplements for food allergies are Protease enzymes which decreases allergic and inflammatory responses by digests proteins and may be helpful for people with food allergies and the Digestive enzymes and Betaine hydrochloride which able to assist in the digestion of food and reduce the likelihood of food sensitivities.

Apart of using medicine you must take prevention measure to avoid allergies like support the immune system, reduce stress, and drink lot of water and avoiding smoking.

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How To Cope With Pet Allergies

Thursday, December 11th, 2008

There has been a lot of talk about hypoallergenic dogs recently. President-elect Obama’s 10-year-old daughter Malia has been promised a new puppy to take to the White House but she has allergies.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, allergies to pets are actually not caused by the amount of hair the pet sheds, but from a protein found in the animal’s dander, saliva or urine. This protein can set off an allergic reaction in certain people. Since all dogs possess these proteins and they are found in the air, there is really no way to totally avoid exposure to them should you have a dog in your home.

There is, in truth, no real “allergy-free” dog, say these experts. That said, what can people do to reduce allergy symptoms in circumstances where dogs are present?

Here are a few ideas from the organization:

• Bathe the animal weekly.
• Wash your sheets and towels in hot water.
• Replace wall-to-wall carpeting or area rugs with hardwood or other solid surfaces.
• Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
• Keep your pet out of the bedroom of the allergic person by keeping the door closed during the day. That way, dander won’t build up on pillows or bedspreads.
• Consult with your internist or an allergist/immunologist about your allergies and possible treatment.

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Questions For Your Doctor On Animal Allergies

Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008

Preparing questions in advance can help patients to have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their conditions. Patients may wish to ask their doctors the following questions about animal allergies:

1. Do my symptoms indicate an animal allergy?
2. What methods will you use to determine if I am allergic to animals?
3. Will an allergy test determine which of my animals in particular is the cause of my animal allergies?
4. I am not willing to give up my pet. What steps can I take to reduce symptoms?
5. Are there any medicines or over-the-counter remedies that you recommend?
6. Do I need a HEPA system in each room of my home?
7. Is there a special shampoo I can use on my pet to reduce my allergic reactions?
8. Can removing carpeting help alleviate my animal allergies?
9. Are certain breeds less likely to trigger my allergy symptoms?
10. I have had my dog for a few years. Why am I experiencing symptoms only now?
11. Are my children likely to develop animal allergies as well?
12. Can you recommend a pet that will not cause allergy symptoms?

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Prevention Methods For Animal Allergies

Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008

For people with animal allergies, the recommended method of preventing an allergic reaction is to completely avoid contact with the animal to which they are sensitive (avoidance).

Because people become very attached to their pets, this is not always an option for animal owners.  However, there are preventative measures that can be taken to minimize allergic reactions. They include:

* Keep the pet out of the bedroom at all times and designate “pet-free” areas of the home, if possible.
* Run portable air purifiers throughout the home and use a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter.
* Clean and vacuum regularly. Using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter may help remove allergens
* Frequently change HVAC and HEPA filters.
* Do not permit the pet on furniture.
* Consider placing plastic covers on upholstered furniture.
* Remove carpeting and rugs in the home (replace with tile or hardwood flooring). People who choose to keep carpeting, or must keep it, should steam clean it frequently.
* Avoid clutter and keep walls and floors bare.
* Wash hands after handling the pet.
* Avoid hugging and kissing pets.
* Have a nonallergic individual brush the pet daily (outside), as well as bathe it twice a week.
* Place litter boxes and animal cages away from areas of air filtration vents in homes. Also have nonallergic individuals clean soiled litter boxes and cages.
* Provide a well-balanced diet for the pet; minimizing fur loss may reduce indoor dander.
* Let someone else do the vacuuming to avoid breathing in allergens, or wear a mask when cleaning. Cleaning can stir animal allergens up in the air, where they are more easily inhaled.

When visiting a friend or relative who has a pet, people allergic to animals need to be particularly careful. These visits may require the allergic person to take preventative medicine before a trip or to make arrangements to sleep in a hotel.

Controlling non-pet animal allergies depends on the type of animal. Allergies caused by cockroach debris may be controlled using methods similar to those used to reduce dust mites, as well as using chemicals to kill cockroaches and cut off their food supply.

People who are allergic to insect bites or stings should, of course, avoid those animals when possible, or perform yard work at times when insects are less active. For instance, getting rid of a wasp’s nest is best done in the evening, when their activity level is low.

Some leukotriene modifiers have been used successfully to prevent the sneezing and nasal congestion associated with allergic rhinitis, an inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the nose. Some animal allergens are known to cause allergic rhinitis. However, these medications are primarily used in people with asthma or seasonal allergies and are not specifically approved for use in the prevention of animal allergic reactions.

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