Diagnosing and Managing Pet Allergies
June 22, 2020 • Health & Wellness •
Shared by Dr. Lakiea Wright, board-certified physician in internal medicine and allergy and immunology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital
If you own a dog or cat, chances are you’ve come across someone who sneezes uncontrollably around your beloved pet. Allergies to pets with fur are very common and as many as three in 10 people in the U.S. with allergies are sensitized to cats and dogs, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
A common misconception is that the animal’s fur is the source of the allergy, but rather, reactions are typically triggered by proteins in urine, saliva and dander. These proteins are lightweight and can easily be dispersed in the air, landing on our furniture, mattress and even our clothes.
Many people are allergic to one or more proteins. Based on clinical studies, it is estimated that up to 30% of people who are allergic to dogs are only sensitized to one protein called Can f 5 made in the dog’s prostate. Sensitization to this particular protein may mean that an allergic dog-lover can tolerate female dogs or male dogs that have been neutered.
Common pet allergy symptoms include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and wheezing, watery or itchy eyes, and skin rash or hives. If you experience symptoms, you should talk to your doctor about allergy testing. There is whole allergen testing (available as skin prick or blood testing) and advanced blood allergy testing, called component testing. Based on research studies, pet allergen component testing may help identify specific protein triggers which can help your healthcare provider assess your risk of developing asthma or asthma severity.
Even if testing confirms your pet allergy, you may still be able to welcome a dog into your home. The following steps can help reduce your exposure to the allergen.
- Confine the pet to a room with a polished floor and wipeable furniture
- Restrict your furry pet from the bedroom and keep the animal off furniture
- Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and vacuum cleaners
- Wash your pet weekly in warm water and soap
Finally, it’s important to note that so-called “hypoallergenic” dogs do not exist. All dogs make one or more of the proteins in their urine, saliva and dander. But an allergy doesn’t have to be a barrier to pet-ownership. By undergoing advanced allergy testing patients can determine which of the major allergen components they are allergic to and can work with their doctor to develop more precise management recommendations.
ABOUT DR. LAKIEA WRIGHT
Dr. Lakiea Wright a board-certified physician in internal medicine and allergy and immunology. She completed her allergy and immunology fellowship training at Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and maintains an appointment as a staff physician. She is also the Medical Director of U.S. Clinical Affairs at Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Related blog posts
Comments
Comments