Tag Archives: natural allergy treatments

Are You Allergic to Your Pet? Here’s What You Need to Know

It is a common thing for many households to have pets at home. In fact, there are also a lot of owners who allow their pets to sleep beside them every night. Indeed, pets are easily part of the family as if they are humans. However, this may not always be the case.

For one thing, pet allergies are a real thing. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America revealed that around 15 to 30 percent of Americans have some kind of pet allergies. Being allergic to dogs and cats are some of the most popular causes of allergies among humans. They have no choice but to avoid having any furry pets at home and visit an allergist specialist for any presence of allergic reactions.

Common causes of pet allergies

A 2009-2010 report by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association revealed that 60 percent of American households own pets, many of which have dogs, cats, or both. Unfortunately, the majority of these pet owners also suffer from pet allergies. If you are one of them, it is best to visit an allergy physician to help manage your allergic symptoms.

For starters, allergies occur due to the immune system’s overreaction to certain allergens or triggers. In this case, people with pet allergies have a sensitivity to pet dander, urine, or saliva. Once these come into contact with the allergic person, it triggers the immune system to overreact and cause allergic symptoms.

Contrary to popular belief, pet fur does not cause the allergic reaction itself. Rather, it is the dust, dander, saliva, urine, and pollen that are accumulated on the fur that causes allergic reactions. Even if you don’t have pets at home, there is still a possibility that a visitor might carry pet allergens through their clothes. If you are allergic to pets, make sure to visit an allergy clinic near you for proper treatment.

Common symptoms of pet allergies

Pet allergens can irritate your nose and eyes that cause itching and sneezing. Other common symptoms of pet allergies are the following.

  • Stuffy nose/post-nasal drip
  • Watery eyes
  • Skin irritation (redness, rashes, hives, etc.)
  • Coughing
  • Itchy throat or the roof of the mouth
  • Facial pains
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Chest pains or tightening
  • Wheezing sound when breathing
  • Insomnia
  • Asthma attacks
  • Eczema (especially among children)

Meanwhile, there is a common misconception that exposing a baby to a pet can trigger pet allergies later on. Some of you might find it horrifying to see a dog going near a newborn. However, this may not be the case for many dog owners.

A report from the Journal of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology revealed that a newborn baby’s exposure to pets may even protect them from developing allergies in the future.

Managing pet allergies

The first important step to avoid pet allergies is not to get a pet at all. While there are so-called “hypoallergenic dogs”, it may not guarantee owners not experiencing any allergic reactions later on. If you want to know more about this, you can consult an allergist before getting a house pet.

Meanwhile, there are some medications that are usually prescribed to counter allergy and asthma symptoms due to pet allergies. These treatments are the following.

  • Decongestants (available in nasal or oral forms)
  • Antihistamines (popular brands include Benadryl, Allegra, and Claritin)
  • Allergy shots (usually given by an allergy specialist for more serious allergic cases)
  • Nasal corticosteroids (helps in reducing inflammation and managing allergic symptoms)
  • Montelukast (given to those who cannot tolerate corticosteroids and antihistamines)
  • Saline solution (a natural remedy that helps in clearing nasal passages)

Lifestyle changes may also be necessary if you want to reduce the occurrence of pet allergies. Here are some tips you can do to lessen the presence of allergens that can trigger pet allergies.

  • Use HEPA purifiers to help reduce the presence of airborne allergens at home.
  • Uninstall home fixtures that can attract pet allergens such as carpets, curtains, and upholstered furniture.
  • Consider getting a hypoallergenic dog. However, make sure to consult an allergy expert first before doing so.
  • Set up a dog-free zone (such as bedrooms) to avoid allergen contamination in other rooms.

Love your pets, but love yourself, too!

Dogs are man’s best friends, and so are other kinds of pet, too. They all deserve to be loved and be taken care of. There is still a chance that you can own a pet, but it is better to consult an allergy physician in Manassas VA first to avoid the adverse effects of pet allergies.

How to Treat Allergies the Natural Way

It is no doubt that having some kind of allergic reactions can greatly impact one’s life. In fact, there are millions of people all over the work who suffer from some kind of allergies that hamper their daily life. Among common allergy triggers include food allergies, pet dander, air pollution, dust mites, and specific ingredients used in beauty and household products.

If you suffer from allergies, it is best to visit an allergy clinic and consult an allergist doctor to help manage your symptoms. Some allergies may be seasonal while others may be chronic but should be treated accordingly nonetheless. Otherwise, it can lead to serious health complications or death in the worst cases.

What causes allergies?

For starters, allergies are usually caused by an exaggerated reaction of the immune system with specific allergens. As mentioned, there are different types of allergens that cause such adverse allergic reactions. Allergies can either be seasonal (ex. affects the person during a specific season, say, during pollen season) or chronic (ex. people who had a specific allergy since childhood).

Among common symptoms of allergies include constant sneezing or coughing, itchy and watery eyes/nose/throat, and nasal congestion. In some cases, allergic people experience hives, and skin itching or swelling. In worst cases, the person may experience difficulty in breathing or even death.

The potential effects of over-the-counter allergy medications

While there are a lot of antihistamine products in nearby drug stores, some may experience adverse effects due to taking medications. For one thing, certain medications can also cause allergic reactions. The effects may vary from person to person but should be addressed immediately by an allergy doctor, nonetheless.

Over-the-counter and prescribed allergy medications do provide effective results. However, most of these medications can only do so much. Instead of addressing the root of the issue, it may only mask the symptoms and provide relief for only several hours or so. For “better results”, you would have to take the medication more than once a day. It may even cause adverse effects and make your condition worse than ever.

Is there an alternative way to provide relief from allergies?

More and more allergy sufferers are getting wary of using over-the-counter medications to treat their allergies. Plus, most of these medications don’t come cheap. That is why a lot of them are looking for natural ways to manage their allergies. Make sure to consult an allergist specialist first before trying any of these products.

Vitamin C

This vitamin is mostly associated with the treatment of cough and colds. However, it can also play a major role in managing allergies thanks to its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. There are vitamin C supplements available in the market, but you can also find these in most fruits and vegetables such as:

  • Citrus fruits
  • Broccoli
  • Bell peppers
  • Strawberries
  • Tomatoes
  • And more!

Probiotics

This refers to microorganisms that promote better digestion and also boost your immune system. However, there are mixed reactions regarding the effectiveness of probiotics. Consult an allergy physician before taking probiotics or any similar products.

Quercetin

It is a flavonoid commonly found in several foods and plants. Several studies reveal that quercetin can help in relieving allergic symptoms. Quercetin is present in herbs and foods such as:

  • Broccoli
  • Black tea
  • Berries
  • Red wine
  • Apple
  • Grapes
  • Ginkgo biloba
  • Peppers
  • And more!

However, experts suggest taking quercetin supplements than eating foods rich in quercetin if you want to manage your allergic symptoms. Make sure to take the right dosage in taking quercetin, or it may cause adverse effects when taken in large doses.

Essential oils

Some essential oils such as eucalyptus, peppermint, and frankincense are said to work wonders on managing allergic symptoms. You can use it in a diffuser or add a drop into the laundry.

Other allergy-alleviating alternatives

If in case these alternative methods do not take effect on you, here are some other alternatives to manage your allergic symptoms.

  • Change your diet. Eat more greens and fruits. An allergist doctor may also recommend an elimination diet to determine the root cause of your allergic reactions.
  • Try acupuncture or hydrotherapy. Make sure to deal with licensed naturopathic physicians or acupuncturists.
  • Avoid allergens. If you know you are allergic to pollen, pet dander, or any kinds of food, stay away from it as much as possible.
  • Visit the best allergist in Manassas VA for your allergy treatment needs.