| -- End Ad Box ---> | | | | fifteen and forty minutes after one is exposed. |
| According to a recent report, between six and ten | | | | However, note that pet-related allergies like cat |
| million people (that’s approximately two | | | | allergy can take days from initial exposure for its |
| percent of the population!) in the United States are | | | | onset. |
| allergic to cats or exhibit symptoms of cat allergy. | | | | The most common symptoms associated with cat |
| However, people often misunderstand these | | | | allergy are: |
| symptoms. Majority believe that cat allergy are | | | | * Red, itchy, or swollen eyes |
| caused by allergens from the fur or cat dander | | | | * Reddened areas on the skin |
| (scales of the skin), when, in fact, most of the | | | | * Runny nose |
| potent allergens come mainly from saliva and sweat. | | | | * Nasal congestion |
| A cat’s saliva or sweat contains a protein with | | | | * Sneezing |
| a carbohydrate structure called Fel d 1. It is an | | | | * Ears that become stuffed up or itchy |
| allergen that causes symptoms of cat allergy. Fel | | | | * Post nasal drip |
| d 1 is much smaller than pollen or mold spores, | | | | * Itching and hoarseness in the throat |
| which are already very potent allergens because of | | | | * Frequent bronchitis |
| their diminutive size, but because of its much smaller | | | | * Coughing and wheezing |
| size, Fel d 1 has even greater potential to | | | | How to Control Cat Allergy |
| cause an allergic reaction. Fel d 1 can easily | | | | Always the best way to control allergic reactions is |
| bypass nasal passages and lodges deep in the lungs, | | | | avoidance method. However, majority of people with |
| where it can cause allergic episodes and asthma. | | | | cat allergy often ignore medical advice and continue |
| Like pollen and mold spores, Fel d 1 are | | | | to keep at least one cat at home even after |
| airborne allergens. They are often microscopic and | | | | diagnosis of their condition. We all love our cats and |
| float in the air easily. After a cat licks itself while | | | | we want to protect them, but you should think |
| grooming, Fel d 1 allergen is deposited on its | | | | about yourself once in a while. Below are some tips |
| fur and once that happens, the dried specks of saliva | | | | to help you control your cat allergy even while |
| can float off and drift around your home. The protein | | | | keeping a cat home: |
| allergen can be found anywhere as aside from being | | | | * Use reputable allergy relief and avoidance products |
| airborne, it attaches itself to walls, windows, and | | | | at home |
| furniture. What is even more amazing is that this | | | | * Since Fel d 1 allergens float in the air, having |
| allergen can remain in your home for years after a | | | | a source of fresh air will reduce the allergen. Improve |
| cat leaves your home. So if you want to remove the | | | | ventilation in your house by using an air conditioner |
| allergen from your home to protect yourself from | | | | even during humid months. |
| cat allergy, everything would have to be totally | | | | * Use a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter to |
| cleaned. | | | | reduce particles of cat allergen in your home. |
| Symptoms | | | | If symptoms persist even after following the tips |
| Like most allergies, cat allergy can affect your eyes, | | | | provided above, then perhaps it’s time for |
| nose, ears, throat, lungs, and skin. The symptoms, | | | | you to consult a doctor for his advice on proper |
| especially respiratory reactions, usually occur between | | | | medication or immunotherapy. |