Human Allergy to Cats and Dogs. Symptoms.
Approximately 15% of people suffer from allergies to animals.
Animal allergy is an exaggerated immune reaction to the contact with animal hair.
The organism reacts as if the animal hair would be a dangerous substance and begins to produce antibodies that cause allergic reactions.
In fact, the hair of cats or dogs doesn’t causes allergy but a protein present in saliva, urine and animal dandruff.
Traces of saliva and dandruff are be present on the fur, hence the reactions that occur when we have contact with the animal.
Other animals that we can be allergic to are hamsters, birds, rabbits, goats, even horses. Most allergic people come in contact only with cats or dogs and this could explain the preconception that allergy to animals is limited to dogs and cats.
Results of a U.S. study shows that pet exposure, particularly in early childhood, can have beneficial effects and might actually prevent the development of allergies. It was found that the presence of two or more pets has a beneficial influence in children’s development, reducing thw risk of allergies by 50%. Specialists from the Medical College of Georgia believe that their study results contradict the traditional belief that household pets may harm children, exposing them to the risk of developing asthma or other breathing problems. Dennis Ownby and his team has monitored the development and health of 500 children in Detroit, from birth until the age of 7. They noticed that when kids play with dogs or cats the immune system adapts and protects them against allergies. Although several studies have reported protective effects of pet exposures on asthma and wheezing, the findings have been inconsistent.
Symptoms
Allergic reactions to animal dander are similar to those of dust and mold:
- rash
- skin redness and itching
- frequent sneezing
- cough
- itchy eyes and nose
- inflammation of the eyes
- excessive tearing
- runny nose
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