Animals Allergy
About 2.5% of the population is allergic to pets. The cats are the animals most frequently involved. But the culprits may be many dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, birds, farm animals and even fish food. What are the risks and how to limit? Find answers to our hair!
Companions of man since time immemorial, our four-legged companions bring great comfort. But it also happens that they are the cause of allergic respiratory and skin. Children are most often affected. The allergy is not immediate, but may appear several months or years after the arrival of the animals in the outbreak.
Cats: Top officials
As Brassens, you are a lover of cats, but in their presence, your eyes start to cry and your nose run ... allergy prevents you from hosting a cat in your house ... But know that it is not necessary directly affecting the animal to be a victim of the first symptoms. The contact with the allergenic substance may be done through clothing, pillows, beds, etc.. Allergies can persist long after the departure of the animal.
Contrary to popular belief, this is not the hairs that are responsible for allergic problems but the allergens they contain. The substances that cause allergies have been identified, it is the protein Fel d1, produced in the skin of cats. The particles are also present in the dander (dandruff), saliva, urine or tears cats. Their production depends on a hormonal influence, male cats produce more allergens than castrated males or females.
A few minutes after exposure, the person may suffer a runny nose, red eyes, cough, shortness of breath, asthma, urticaria or sometimes angioedema.
Should it therefore prevent allergies and asthma in children by prohibiting the coming of a cat at home? Besides the emotional interest of the animal, a discovery * U.S. calls for felines. According to these researchers, children who live in the presence of a cat may develop an immune response that would prevent the development of asthma. By studying the immune response of 226 children aged 12 to 14 years (including 47 asthmatics) to cat allergens and mites, scientists have found that some children had developed tolerance vis-à-vis the cat allergen with a particular type of antibody. Some exposed to cat allergen for long periods could even develop a protective effect against asthma. A high exposure may cause either a protective effect may constitute a risk factor. Other factors: genetic, environmental, etc.. You necessarily does not eliminate the risk of asthma in your child by firing your cat.
Other animals that cause allergies
Mostly, people are allergic to all animals of the same species. If you are allergic to cats, you'll be for all cats, but you will also vis-à-vis the pumas, tigers, lions and leopards. Obviously, unless a visit to the zoo or a safari, you are less likely to be in direct contact with the animal.
Allergies to dogs are not as frequent, however, the protein allergic Can f1 was found in hair and saliva. To a lesser extent, other animals may be causing allergy are:
-Pets: rabbits, hamsters, birds, rodents, etc..
-Farm animals: cows, horses, goats, sheep, etc..
More surprisingly, we found allergies vis-à-vis the diets of some fish, including some bloodworms which allergens have been linked to an increased occurrence of asthma.
How to respond?
The most effective measure is both simple and difficult: he must avoid contact with animals and the rule of the house. If you can not get rid of your pet:
-Ban him entry to the nursery;
-Teach your child to wash their hands after having stroked the animal;
-Avoid rugs, pillowcases, pillows, stuffed animals and all surfaces on which allergens may be deposited;
-Clean the house regularly with a vacuum and wash at high temperature components of the bedding, you can also use protective covers;
-Rinse the coat regularly with warm water. Thoroughly clean the house, avoid carpets and use of aerators fitted with efficient filters;
-Male cats can be neutered.
But if the allergy is severe and recurs, and that the responsibility of the animal is well established, the only solution is separation. Painful for the whole family, this solution will be less painful if a relative can take your pet, allowing children to hear their companion.
