Can I be allergic to dogs out of nowhere
Am I allergic to my dog?
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People who are allergic to dogs may experience a rash, hives, or watery eyes when exposed to dog saliva or dog dander.
In many cases, symptoms of a dog allergy are mild, and a person may still be able to live with a dog if they can manage their symptoms. Some home remedies can reduce symptoms. However, the only truly effective way to eliminate dog allergies is to avoid exposure to dogs.
In this article, we look at symptoms of allergic reactions to dogs and ways to manage them, including home remedies and medical treatments.
Specific symptoms and when they occur depend on the severity of the allergy. People who have severe allergic reactions to dogs may experience symptoms soon after exposure, while those with more minor allergies may take longer to develop symptoms.
Symptoms include:
- a skin rash that is red or consists of small, red, raised bumps called hives
- nasal congestion
- a runny nose and sneezing
- itchy, red, and watering eyes
- coughing
- wheezing
- tightness in the chest and shortness of breath
If a person lives with a dog, it is difficult to make the environment allergen-free. Dog dander (dead skin cells) can linger in the air for a long time and can stick to household items, such as curtains, furniture, bedding, and carpets.
Hypoallergenic breeds of dogs shed less than others so they may be less likely to cause allergic reactions. However, some
The only sure way to eliminate dog allergies is by avoiding contact with dogs. However, if a person does spend time with dogs, the following home remedies may help them to manage symptoms:
- Using a saline sinus rinse. Rinse the nostrils using a mixture made of 3 teaspoons of salt (iodine free), 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 8 ounces of warm water. Use an ear dropper to put the solution into the nostril or purchase a sinus rinsing device from a pharmacy or online.
- Plant supplements. Taking certain plant supplements, such as those containing rosmarinic acid, may reduce allergy symptoms according to a 2014 study.
Lifestyle tips that can reduce the impact of dog allergies include:
- avoiding touching eyes or face after contact with dogs
- washing hands with soap after contact with dogs
- avoiding close contact with dogs, such as hugging or kissing them
- using a vacuum cleaner designed to trap and contain airborne allergens
- cleaning the house, washing the bedding weekly, and keeping the house tidy
- cleaning more often during winter months
- restricting dogs to specific rooms or spaces
- keeping dogs out of the bedroom and off furniture
- bathing dogs every 1 to 2 weeks
- wearing a dust mask and gloves while cleaning or in areas with dogs
- brushing and cleaning dogs outdoors when possible
If anyone is considering bringing a dog into their home, they should do an allergy test or undertake a trial period before committing to this.
There are over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications available that can help reduce or resolve the symptoms for people who are allergic to dogs.
OTC remedies for dog allergies include:
Antihistamines
Antihistamine medications block histamine, a compound that helps initiate local immune responses and cause allergy symptoms. Popular OTC brands for long-term exposure may contain loratadine, cetirizine hydrochloride, or fexofenadine hydrochloride.
Antihistamines can be bought online or obtained on prescription from a doctor.
Nasal decongestants and nasal corticosteroids
These medications help reverse the inflammation caused by immune responses and relieve nasal congestion. Some nasal corticosteroids are now available without a prescription and can be purchased online.
Immunotherapy
An allergist (a specialist in diagnosing allergies) may treat severe or chronic allergy symptoms using immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots.
Immunotherapy involves injecting allergens into a person in gradually increasing amounts. These allergy shots help a person to build a tolerance to allergens. It usually takes several sessions over several months to complete immunotherapy.
Other treatments
Many people with pet allergies also have asthma, and exposure to the pet allergens can cause asthmatic episodes or worsen a persons symptoms. In these situations, a doctor may prescribe inhalable corticosteroids or bronchodilators that help keep the airways open.
Dogs produce a variety of proteins that cause allergies in some people. The highest concentrations of these proteins are in dog saliva, with lower amounts found in dander and urine.
Dander tends to build up on hair follicles, so dog hair usually carries a large number of allergens.
If a doctor thinks that a person may be allergic to dogs, they will refer them to an allergist.
In most cases, an allergist will use a skin-prick test to diagnose allergies.
During a skin-prick test, an allergist will put a droplet containing a tiny amount of dog proteins onto the skin. They will then make a small prick in the skin, allowing the mixture to enter the body.
Most people who are allergic to the mixture will have a response within 15 to 30 minutes.
Sometimes, an allergist will decide that an individual who thinks they are allergic to dogs is actually responding to other allergens commonly found on dogs or dog hair, such as dust or pollen.
People who are allergic to dogs can get relief from symptoms by avoiding dogs and places where there are dogs. Many people choose to manage their symptoms by making lifestyle adjustments, such as more frequent housecleaning, but this can be extremely challenging.
OTC medications, such as antihistamines and nasal decongestants, can also help a person reduce or manage their allergy symptoms.
People with more severe or chronic dog allergies should speak with a doctor about prescription medications and therapies that can help manage symptoms.
What is allergic conjunctivitis?
Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when a persons eyes come into contact with an allergen.
The eye becomes sore and inflamed. Symptoms occur because the overreacting immune system makes the body release histamine and other active substances through mast cells. The blood vessels dilate, or expand, and this irritates the nerve endings. The result is an increased secretion of tears.
Allergic conjunctivitis is different from infective conjunctivitis. The causes are different.
The following may offer relief:
- Avoiding the allergen: Keeping the house clean, minimizing soft furnishings, and staying indoors when the pollen count is high can help.
- Artificial tears: These eye drops
dilute the allergen and help remove it. - Avoiding contact lenses: These should not be used until symptoms have completely disappeared. After using any medication on the eye, wait 24 hours after treatment has ended before wearing contact lenses.
- Refraining from rubbing the eyes: Rubbing can make the inflammation worse. This can be difficult, as it is tempting to rub itchy eyes.
- Cold compresses: Holding a wad of cotton wool soaked in cold water on the eyelid can soothe the eyes.
Drug treatment includes antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, and occasionally, corticosteroids.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines may help bring fast relief from symptoms, either as an oral dose or as eye drops. Antihistamines block the effects of histamines. The body produces histamines when the immune system reacts to a foreign substance.
Oral antihistamines for allergic conjunctivitis are cetirizine, fexofenadine, and loratadine. These are usually taken once a day. Antihistamine eye drops include Alaway and Zaditor. . The eye drops will relieve symptoms in the eyes, but the oral dose will also help treat a runny nose and other symptoms.
The most commonly prescribed antihistamine eye drops include azelastine, emedastine, and ketotifen. They are applied to the eyes two or three times a day.
Some antihistamines may cause drowsiness. People taking them for the first time should refrain from driving or operating heavy machinery until they know whether or not the medication affects them.
Mast cell stabilizers
Mast cell stabilizers take longer to bring relief than antihistamines, but once they start working, the effects last longer.
The most popular mast cell stabilizers are lodoxamide and nedocromil. They come in the form of eye drops.
Some patients take both antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers. The antihistamines provide some relief from symptoms before the mast cell stabilizers start working.
Corticosteroids
These are rarely prescribed, and only if symptoms are severe. Corticoid is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex. As a medication, synthetic corticosteroids can reduce swelling and decrease the bodys immune response.
Corticosteroids work well but should be
Most people with allergic conjunctivitis have problems with both eyes.
Symptoms may appear quickly, soon after the eyes come into contact with the allergen. In other cases, for example, if eye drops are causing a reaction, symptoms may appear after 2 to 4 days.
Symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis include:
- Red or pink eyes: The eyes become irritated as the capillaries, or small blood vessels, widen in the conjunctiva.
- Pain: This may affect one or both eyes. If a person has painful, red eyes, is sensitive to light, and their vision is affected, they should see a doctor at once.
- Itchiness: As the eyes are irritated, they may itch. Rubbing can make the itchiness worse.
- Swollen eyelids: The eyelids may puff up when the conjunctiva becomes inflamed, or if the person has been rubbing them a lot.
- Soreness: The inflammation may make the whole area feel sore and tender. Some people say the soreness feels like burning.
People with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis will experience symptoms at certain times during the year, usually from early spring into summer, and sometimes into fall.
Those with perennial allergic conjunctivitis are susceptible at any time of year. They may find symptoms are worse at certain times of the day than at others.
If the eyelids are red, cracked, or dry, this may indicate contact conjunctivitis. Contact conjunctivitis and giant papillary conjunctivitis are not seasonal, and symptoms may occur at any time of year.
An allergic reaction happens when the immune system overreacts to a substance. Most people do not react in this way to dust, pollen, and other substances, but some are more susceptible.
The following allergens commonly cause allergic conjunctivitis:
- pollen, as in hay fever
- animal fur
- eye drops
- make-up
- dust mites.
There are different types of allergic conjunctivitis.
1) Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis or allergic rhinoconjunctivitis
Pollen is the most common allergen to cause conjunctivitis in countries that have cold winters.
If conjunctivitis results from pollen, there will likely be other symptoms, including sneezing, an itchy, blocked, or runny nose, and itchy and watery eyes.
Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis or allergic rhinoconjunctivitis is also known as hay fever.
It usually happens during the spring and summer months. At this time, plants, and especially grass, trees, and flowers, are in pollen. Some people have symptoms during early fall.
2) Contact conjunctivitis
Also known as contact dermatoconjunctivtis, symptoms are usually caused by cosmetics, eye-drops, or other chemicals that irritate the conjunctiva in those who are susceptible. Contact with these substances leads to an allergic response. Some people are sensitive to specific substances.
Symptoms usually develop 2 to 4 days after the substance comes into contact with the eyes.
3) Giant papillary conjunctivitis
This often results from wearing contact lenses. In some people, contact lenses cause discomfort. This can get progressively worse and increasingly uncomfortable, causing the eyes to become red.
Giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC) may also occur when a person uses hard contact lenses after eye surgery.
Poor hygiene when handling contact lenses, solutions, and cases may contribute to infections of the eye.
4) Perennial conjunctivitis
Perennial conjunctivitis lasts all year. It mainly results from an allergy to house dust mites. These are microscopic insect-like creatures that live mainly in bedding, upholstered furniture, and carpets.
Dust mites eat skin cells shed by people, and they love warm, humid environments.
Dust-mite allergy is an immune-system response to a specific dust mite protein. This causes a range of problems, including conjunctivitis, a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, and contraction of the airways, as in asthma.
Other causes include animal dander, the small scales from animal skins or hair or bird feathers. These can cause an allergic reaction in some people.
A doctor will diagnose allergic conjunctivitis by examining the patient and asking about signs and symptoms, including sneezing and a runny nose.
They may also need to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.
Anyone with the following symptoms should see a doctor immediately, as they may have a more serious condition:
- painful eyes
- sensitivity to light, or photophobia
- vision problems
- very red eyes
Apart from allergic conjunctivitis, the eyes may become red with the following conditions:
- Infective conjunctivitis: This is caused by bacteria or virus. It can be
linked to the herpes virus, and it may indicate a sexually transmitted infection (STI). - Acute glaucoma: Pressure builds up in the eye. Symptoms can appear rapidly. Untreated, acute glaucoma can cause incurable vision loss.
- Keratitis: The cornea becomes inflamed and occasionally ulcerated. Sometimes it can progress to scarring of the cornea, resulting in permanent vision loss.
- Iritis: This is an inflammation of the iris. If left untreated, the iris may stick to the lens, preventing vital fluid drainage from the pupil. The result could be irreversible eye damage.
The doctor will also check whether some object or substance, such as an eyelash, may be causing the irritation.
If symptoms are severe or worsening, the doctor may refer the patient to an eye specialist, or ophthalmologist.
Anyone who develops papillary conjunctivitis after recent eye surgery will be referred to an ophthalmologist. The eye or eyes must be carefully monitored to ensure that treatment is effective.
Complications of perennial or seasonal allergic conjunctivitis are rare.
Allergic conjunctivitis can affect a persons quality of life but does not normally have a long-term impact on health.
Complications can sometimes occur with dermatoconjunctivitis and giant papillary conjunctivitis.
The cornea may become inflamed. This is known as keratitis, and it can cause ulcers to form on the cornea. This increases the risk of scarring and the possibility of permanent vision loss.
Symptoms of keratitis are:
- intense pain in the eye
- sensitivity to light
- blurred vision
- a feeling that there is something in the eye
- watery eyes
If these symptoms occur, the person should see a doctor.
The best way to prevent allergic rhinitis is to find out what is causing it and to avoid the allergen.
Common allergens are pet fur and pollen.
If the allergy is caused by pets, try the following:
- keep pets out of the bedroom
- brush them regularly and wash them every 2 weeks
- wash their bedding regularly
If you are visiting a house where there is a pet, taking an antihistamine medicine one hour before may help reduce symptoms.
If pollen causes a reaction:
- stay inside and keep doors and windows closed when the pollen count is high
- avoid areas with a lot of grass, flowers, or trees
- use wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes
- bathe and change your clothes after being outside
- try to get someone else to cut the lawn for you
Mid-morning and early evening are when the pollen count is highest.
If house dust mites cause a reaction:
- avoid soft furnishings, such as carpets and drapes
- use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter
- choose anti-allergenic matresses and bedding
- vacuum often, and dust with a clean, damp cloth
