Do you often have a runny nose and sneeze more than you should? Maybe you suffer from hay fever, but what could also be quite possible is that you are allergic to dogs or cats.... Some people are even allergic without knowing it. Then they purchase a dog or cat, which unfortunately ends up in the shelter. You want to avoid this, of course!
If you are unsure whether you are allergic to dogs or cats, it is important to get a definitive diagnosis. In this blog, we will walk you through the steps you can take if you are unsure whether you have a dog or cat allergy.
- Watch for symptoms:
Pay attention to symptoms you experience when you are around dogs or cats. Common symptoms of an allergic reaction include; sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, stuffy nose, runny nose, coughing, shortness of breath, skin rash or itching.
Many of these symptoms come acutely and disappear again as soon as you are no longer in contact with the dog or cat. Sometimes people maintain chronic symptoms; these are often pet owners. Their symptoms range from experiencing headaches, to having no energy and feeling feverish.
2. Consult a physician:
If you suspect you have an allergy, it is advisable to make an appointment with a doctor, such as an allergist or a nurse specialist. The doctor will ask about symptoms and perform a physical examination, such as a skin test or a blood test.
Skin Tests: Skin testing involves applying small amounts of allergens, such as dog hair or cat hair, to your skin using a small needle. Then the doctor will check your skin for signs of an allergic reaction, such as redness or swelling.
Blood test: A blood sample may be taken to look for specific antibodies indicating an allergic reaction to dogs or cats.
3. Treatment of the allergy
Fortunately, medication can be prescribed in many cases of allergic reactions. Common ones are; eye drops, nasal spray, inhaler and anti-allergy pills. Unfortunately, these do not always help and if you get a severe allergic reaction from dogs or cats, it is not advisable to bring a dog or cat into your home.
Furthermore, immunotherapy is sometimes recommended. This is a treatment of several years in which injections or tablets are used. As a result, you become less sensitive to animal dander. However, this treatment is not performed lightly, but only under certain conditions. For example, in occupations where contact with animals is unavoidable.
It's important to talk to a doctor before taking any medications or measures to control an allergy. They can give you specific advice based on the severity of your symptoms and your medical history.
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