Pets Allergy Profile, 17 Tests – Home Kit

Pet allergies: how to recognise them and how to behave?

These are common and cause respiratory disorders and skin reactions in adult and paediatric individuals.

The allergic reaction is usually triggered by proteins in the saliva and dander of animals such as dogs and cats, and more rarely by mites that nest in their fur. Suppose a patient sensitive to these allergens comes into contact with them, especially in closed environments. In that case, he or she can quickly develop respiratory problems, ranging from simple allergic oculorhinitis with stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, burning eyes and throat to real asthma attacks.

We discussed this subject further with Professor Enrico Heffler, an allergist at Humanitas and professor and Director of the School of Specialization in Allergology and Clinical Immunology at Humanitas University.

Symptoms to be aware of

What are the symptoms and why do they occur?

Most reactions occur after exposure to animals such as cats, dogs, horses, guinea pigs, and others, or their allergens. Respiratory reactions, like rhinitis or asthma, are the most common, but skin reactions can also occur.

Cats are the most frequent cause of pet-related issuess, as their saliva, urine, feces, dandruff, and sweat accumulate in their fur and spread to furniture and the environment. Individuals sensitive to cats often experience immediate and intense reactions, similar to those triggered by horses, although contact with horses is less frequent. Reactions to dogs are also common, though typically less severe, as are those related to rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, or birds.

Someone allergic to a particular animal should be very careful as, over time, this can develop allergies to another species. Kids used in an environment where animals are present, especially from birth, have a significantly lower chance of developing allergies. However, the erroneous belief that there are breeds of cats or dogs that are less allergenic must be dispelled: the difference in manifestations caused by different breeds of the same species depends on a variety of factors, including individual predisposition, size and sex. of the animal and the greater or lesser production of dandruff.

How is it diagnosed?

Suppose you suspect that you’re allergic to an animal or someone around you it is. In that case, you should book an appointment with a specialist as soon as possible, especially if you often contact animals. Usually, two tests can be done to confirm the presence of it: a finger prick test and the search for specific IgE in the blood.

Finger Prick is easy

The prick test is very simple, which is carried out at the same time as the visit and involves placing drops of extracts containing the allergens to be tested on the patient’s skin: the doctor then makes a slight prick at the point corresponding to the liquid, more similar to a “plucking”, with a special disposable instrument. If the patient’s skin becomes red or swollen, taking on an appearance similar to that caused by mosquito bites, the allergy may be confirmed.

The search for IgE, however, takes place through blood tests, and the result will be given according to the times of the analysis laboratory.

From antihistamine to vaccine: treatment options

If it is not possible to remove the animal, contact with the animal by the allergic family member must be limited as much as possible, and the person must undertake treatment. Particular attention is also recommended to the hygiene of the domestic environment, whose floors, curtains, armchairs, sofas and beds must be cleaned regularly, and of the animal itself, which must be washed more often than normally. Activating air purification systems may also be useful.

To alleviate symptoms, the intake of oral antihistamines or eye drops and corticosteroids is prescribed.