Pets Allergy Profile, 17 Tests – Home Kit

How to identify pet allergies and how to respond?

Adult and pediatric allergic individuals frequently experience respiratory disorders and skin reactions as a result of pet allergies.

The allergic reaction is typically initiated by proteins in the saliva and dander of animals, such as canines and cats, and, in rare cases, by mites that establish nests in their fur. Assume that a patient who is allergic to these contaminants comes into contact with them, particularly in enclosed spaces. In that event, respiratory issues may manifest rapidly, including simple allergic oculorhinitis characterized by a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, burning eyes, and pharynx, as well as genuine asthma attacks.

Professor Enrico Heffler, the Director of the School of Specialization in Allergology and Clinical Immunology at Humanitas University and an allergist at Humanitas, and I engaged in a more in-depth conversation regarding this matter.

Symptoms to be cognizant of

Why do pet allergies develop, and what are their symptoms?

The majority of allergic reactions are the result of exposure to or contact with animals (including but not limited to cats, dogs, horses, and guinea pigs) or their antigens. The most prevalent reactions are respiratory, which can manifest as allergic rhinitis or asthma, as well as cutaneous ones.

The most prevalent allergies in pets are caused by cats, as the saliva, urine, faces, dandruff, and perspiration are deposited in the fur and subsequently left on the furniture and environment in which the cat resides. Individuals who are allergic to cats typically experience immediate and violent reactions, as do those who are allergic to horses, despite the fact that contact with these animals is less common and fortuitous than that with cats. Dog allergies are also prevalent; however, they are not as severe as those associated with rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, or birds.

Individuals who are allergic to a specific animal should exercise caution, as this can lead to allergies to other species over time. Children who are raised in an environment that includes animals, particularly from infancy, have a significantly reduced likelihood of developing allergies. Nevertheless, the erroneous notion that there are specific breeds of cats or dogs that are less allergenic must be dispelled. The difference in allergic manifestations caused by various breeds of the same species is contingent upon a variety of factors, such as individual predisposition, size, and sex. of the animal and the extent to which it produces dandruff.

What is the method of diagnosis?

Suppose you have a suspicion that you are allergic to an animal or that someone in your vicinity is allergic to an animal. In that event, it is imperative that you schedule an appointment with the allergy specialist at your earliest convenience, particularly if you frequently interact with animals. Typically, two tests are conducted to verify the presence of an allergy: a finger puncture test and the search for specific IgE in the blood.

Finger pricking is effortless.

The prick test is a straightforward procedure that is conducted concurrently with the allergy visit. It entails the placement of drops of extracts containing the allergens to be tested on the patient’s skin. The doctor then uses a special disposable instrument to make a slight prick at the point where the liquid is located, which is more akin to a “plucking.” The allergy may be confirmed if the patient’s skin becomes red or swollen, giving off an appearance reminiscent of mosquito stings.

The search for IgE, on the other hand, is conducted through blood tests, and the results will be provided in accordance with the analysis laboratory’s operating hours.

Treatment alternatives range from antihistamines to allergy vaccines.

If the animal that caused the allergy cannot be removed, the allergic family member must limit their contact with the animal and undergo treatment. It is also advisable to prioritize the hygiene of the domestic environment, which includes the regular cleaning of floors, curtains, armchairs, sofas, and mattresses, as well as the washing of the animal more frequently than is customary. Additionally, it may be advantageous to activate air purification systems.

Oral antihistamines, corticosteroids, and eye drops are administered to ameliorate allergic symptoms.