What happens if you ignore pet allergies

Pet Allergies Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

Understanding Pet Allergies

A pet allergy is an allergic reaction that some individuals experience when they come into contact with proteins found in the skin cells, urine, or saliva of animals, particularly domestic pets like cats and dogs.

Allergies aren't just limited to pets with fur. They can also be triggered by other types of animals with hair, feathers, or even scales. This means that individuals can develop an allergic reaction to a wide range of animals, including:

• Rabbits
• Guinea pigs
• Mice
• Hamsters
• Birds
• Horses
• Reptiles, such as iguanas
• In addition, allergies to pet bedding (straw, shredded paper, molds) is a possibility

Allergic reactions occur when the immune system erroneously identifies these substances as threats, producing IgE antibodies. While pet dander is the main allergen responsible for triggering symptoms, it can also harbor other airborne allergens like pollen, dust mites, and mold.

According to a study, the highest sensitization rate was for dog allergens at 20.4%, followed by 15.0% for cat allergens and 9.0% for rabbit allergens. It is worth noting that direct exposure to dogs was significantly more common, with 72.0% of participants reporting contact with dogs.

Pet Allergy Symptoms

Pet allergies can cause mild, moderate, or severe symptoms, which vary based on a person's sensitivity and the amount of exposure. Symptoms may appear shortly after contact or have a delayed onset (late phase response) and can include:

Mild

• Runny or Stuffy Nose: An allergic response can cause nasal congestion, a runny nose, and postnasal drip.
• Itchy or Watery Eyes: Red, itchy, and watery eyes are classic signs of pet allergies.
• Skin Rash: Contact with pet allergens can result in a skin rash or hives, especially if you touch the pet and then your face or body.
• Fatigue: Allergic reactions, even mild ones, can lead to feelings of fatigue or lethargy.

Moderate

• Sneezing: Allergic reactions often start with sneezing, especially when a person is around a pet or in a pet-occupied space.
• Coughing: Pet allergens can irritate the throat and lead to a persistent cough.
• Facial Pressure or Pain: Some people with pet allergies report feeling pressure or pain in their face or around the sinuses.
• Worsening of Eczema or Dermatitis: Individuals with preexisting skin conditions like eczema may notice worsening symptoms when exposed to pet allergens.

Severe

• Wheezing and Shortness of Breath: Pet allergies can trigger asthma symptoms in some individuals, leading to wheezing and difficulty breathing.
• Chest Tightness: Allergies can cause a feeling of tightness in the chest, similar to the sensation experienced during an asthma attack.

Pet Allergy Testing

Pet allergy testing is essential for identifying specific allergens that may trigger allergic reactions in individuals who are sensitive to pets. There are two primary methods for pet allergy testing:

1. Skin test

One of the common ways to test for pet allergies involves a skin test. During this test, your doctor or nurse will apply small quantities of common pet allergens on your skin, usually on your forearm or back, and then prick or scratch the skin to see if there's any reaction. If you are sensitive to any allergens, a red bump or rash will appear on the spot.

The procedure involves observing your skin for any signs of allergic reactions after 15 minutes. For instance, if you are allergic to cats, you may develop a red, itchy bump where the cat extract was pricked into your skin. The test typically produces immediate results and helps determine the specific pet allergen causing the reaction.

It's normal to experience some itching and redness after the skin test. These side effects usually go away within 30 minutes. In rare cases, skin tests may cause more severe reactions. Still, these are usually in people with a history of severe allergies. You must inform your doctor if you have a history of severe allergic reactions.

2. Blood test

Sometimes, a skin test may not be feasible due to a skin condition or potential interactions with certain medications. In such cases, your doctor may suggest a blood test as an alternative.

This test checks your blood for specific allergy-causing antibodies to various common allergens, including different animals. This test can also provide information on how sensitive you are to a particular allergen, helping your doctor formulate an effective treatment plan for you.

Pet Allergy Medications

While pet allergies can be quite bothersome, numerous over-the-counter and prescription medications can help alleviate symptoms. Lets explore the best allergy medications for pet allergies.

1. Nasal Rinse

Saline nasal rinses are a simple yet effective solution for individuals with allergy symptoms. By flushing out allergens and irritants from the nasal passages, these rinses can provide much-needed relief and help reduce inflammation.

Additionally, saline rinses can help moisturize nasal passages and improve overall hygiene, making them an essential part of any allergy management routine

Theres a Pet on Your Flight, and Youre Allergic: What to Do

If youve ever suffered from pet allergies, you know the pain of the runny nose, itchy eyes and even full-on hives or breathing problems. You certainly cant ignore the situation.

As more and more people adopt the pet family outlook, airlines, hotels and even trains areopening their doors to peoples dogs, cats, birds and more.

Pets carry allergy-inducing dander on their bodies, andpeople transfer this kind of dander all the time too. If someone has a pet, theyll have dander on their clothes that can transfer to the seat of a plane or bed of a hotel room without the pet ever being present. So where does this leave allergy-prone passengers and guests?

Assume Pets Will Be on the Plane

If youre hopping on a flight anytime soon and you suffer from pet allergies, its best to go ahead and plan for a pet to be on board, regardless of whether one actually is.

People transfer pet dander easily, and planes are rarely deep-cleaned.Its safe to assume there will be some sort of allergen floating around the cabin and sticking to seats, tray tables and anything else youll touch.

How to prepare:

• Pack wet wipes in your carry-on bag and ask to board early. Most airlines will let you pre-board if you mention a pet allergy. Tell the flight attendants you want to wipe your seating area down before other passengers board.Take 5 minutes to clean and disinfect your seat and tray table. This alone can make a world of difference.
• Carry allergy pills and prescription medication with you. If you expect to react to pet dander, consider taking an allergy pill before getting on the plane. Make sure your prescriptions are updated, and carry anEpiPen if your reactions are severe.
• Ask flight attendants to seat you as far away from pets as possible even if you dont see any animals in the waiting area. Always be respectful, and ask to move if your seat assignment happens to be near someone with a pet.
• If youre worried about a reaction and taking steps like these wont do the trick, call the airline ahead of time. Ask if there are any pets flying in the main cabin, and if there are, see if you can move to another flight at no charge. Typically, airlines will accommodate you when possible.

What If You Have a Reaction?

If youve taken these steps and still find yourself reacting to a pet on board, you have a few options.

In these cases, airlines do their best to make sure all passengers are happy (including the pets). If the outcome isnt strongly in your favor, know that the decision was likely made in an attempt to satisfy everyone.

If theres a pet near you on the plane, ask a flight attendant if you can move. Remember, a smile and please can go a long way here. If theres no extra seat available, you might be able to switch with another willing passenger.

Try asking a passenger toward the back of the plane if the flight attendant wont make the switch for you. Most people will jump at the chance to move their seat closer to the front, so you shouldnt have any trouble.

When all else fails and you cant remain in your seat, youll have to request the next available flight out. This is uncommon, but if there are no seats available and no passengers willing to switch with you, the airline wont remove the pet. Instead, most will give you the option of taking the next flight.

If you suffer from pet allergies, check out these tips:

Rules of the Air

Its helpful to know how airlines handle pets if youre in this situation. Each company is different, but most follow a similar set of rules.

1. Airlines only allow a specific number of pets on board each flight. Typically, they disperse them throughout first class, business and economy cabins.
2. Service or emotional support animalsare always allowed on board and dont count against the number of pets allowed in the cabin. Because of this, there could technically be more than the allowed number of pets on a flight.
3. If flight attendants feel youre at risk of having a medical emergency due to an allergy, theyre allowed to ask you to deplane, find medical help and switch to a later flight.

At the end of the day, the decision to fly is up to you. To make your trip as allergy-free as possible, though, its a good idea to take necessary precautions, even if the flight doesnt end up having a pet on it.

Why You Need to Stop Ignoring Your Allergy Symptoms

Common allergy symptoms

Allergies can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:

A lot of these symptoms go hand-in-hand with having a common cold. It can sometimes be tricky to tell the difference between having a cold and having untreated allergies, but the easiest way to tell them apart is time. If you notice your symptoms lasting over 10 days or coming up during the same time of year each year, youre likely suffering from allergies. For a more in-depth guide on how to tell if you have a cold or allergies, check out our quiz.

What happens when allergy symptoms go untreated? Can allergies make you sick?

Untreated allergies can indeed make you sick, especially if you are experiencing them for a long period of time. Allergic reactions occur when the immune system overreacts to a substance that it perceives as harmful, such as pollen, dust, or certain foods. While mild allergic reactions may only cause symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, or itchy eyes, prolonged exposure to allergens can lead to more severe symptoms and complications.

Here are just some of the ways that allergies can make you sick:

Inflammation and infection

One of the main problems with untreated allergies is the mucus and other gunk in our sinuses. Our sinuses are simply pipes, and like other pipes, they get clogged if not cleaned and cleared out properly.

Unchecked allergies can eventually lead to inflammation and infection. Things like ear infections and sinus infections can start to occur more frequently, which can then lead to even more serious problems like asthma or structural sinus issues that will require surgical intervention.

Lack of sleep & fatigue

Persistent allergy symptoms can cause serious effects on the quantity and quality of your sleep. There are the obvious issues where it is hard to fall asleep when your nostrils are burning, you cant breathe, or you have a terrible headache. Having persistent sleep troubles can create sleep disorders like insomniathat your body learns over time and can be difficult to treat.

The other part is the quality of your sleep can also be affected. Constant nasal twitching, waking up intermittently throughout the night, and poor breathing are all things that can be caused by untreated allergies. As your body accumulates multiple nights of poor sleep and no proper rest, you can become slower and less focused in your day-to-day activities. We all need proper sleep and no amount of coffee or energy drinks are going to be able to get you back to feeling refreshed. Work, school, and life can be hard enough as it is sometimes, so this fatigue can have a serious effect on your mental well-being and job performance.

Developed mood disorders

Things like chronic fatigue, poor sleep quality, and lack of focus are much like allergies in that when untreated, worse conditions can follow. The stress and anxiety resulting from the memory problems and lack of productivity caused by these symptoms can put you in a bad spot.

This is why we think of treating allergies as one of the most positive ways to change your life. These are all conditions that are caused simply by not addressing the root of your allergies and letting them fester into something ugly and life-impacting.

Do allergies get worse over time?

Untreated allergies can indeed get worse over time, and this can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life. Environmental changes, exposure to new allergens, and changes in immune system function can all contribute to the worsening of allergies. For example, studies have shown that exposure to air pollution can exacerbate allergies and increase the risk of developing asthma. Additionally, as a person ages, their immune system may become less effective at fighting off allergies, making them more susceptible to allergic reactions.

Can untreated allergies cause sinus infections and permanent damage?

Yes, untreated allergies can lead to sinus infections and permanent damage to the body, making it essential to seek medical attention if you suspect that you have allergies. Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to a substance that it perceives as harmful, such as pollen, dust, or certain foods. This overreaction can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe. However, if left untreated, allergies can lead to chronic inflammation and damage to the body's tissues and organs.

Long-term effects of seasonal allergies

Some of the most common conditions that can develop as a result of untreated seasonal allergies include:

• Chronic sinusitis: Prolonged exposure to allergens can cause chronic inflammation of the sinuses, leading to symptoms such as facial pain, congestion, and difficulty breathing.
• Asthma: Allergies can trigger asthma, a chronic respiratory condition that causesinflammation and narrowing of the airways, making it difficult to breathe. Over time, untreated asthma can lead to irreversible lung damage.

• Eczema: Allergies can cause or worsen eczema, a skin condition that causes red, itchy, and inflamed skin. Over time, untreated eczema can lead to scarring and thickening of the skin.

Long-term effects of untreated food allergies

Untreated food allergies can lead to a range of medical conditions that can cause long-term damage to the body. Some of the most common conditions that can develop as a result of untreated food allergies include:

• Anaphylaxis: In severe cases, food allergies can cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause difficulty breathing, a rapid pulse, and a drop in blood pressure.
• Eczema: Similar to seasonal allergy symptoms, food allergies can also cause skin rashes or worsen eczema.
• Gastrointestinal problems: Untreated food allergies can cause a range of gastrointestinal problems, including abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and vomiting. These symptoms can lead to malnutrition and dehydration over time.

Will allergies go away without treatment?

In some cases, allergies can go away without treatment, but this is not always the case. Some allergies may spontaneously remit, especially in children, but others may persist throughout a person's life. There are many factors that go into whether or not someone will outgrow their allergies including, type of allergy and severity of the allergy. According to the Mayo Clinic, between 60 and 80% of children may outgrow their milk or egg allergies, but adults are less likely to experience spontaneous remission. However, with proper diagnosis and management, allergies can be controlled, and symptoms can be minimized. There's no reason to leave your allergies untreated.

How to get long-term relief from your allergy symptoms?

Proper allergy treatment is tailored for each persons allergies and their lifestyles to treat allergies long term. Here are three long-term allergy treatments that can help you stop ignoring your allergy symptoms and start treating the root causes. One is sure to be the right solution for your untreated allergies.

ExACT Immmunoplasty

This is the newest form of treatment and, by far, the fastest. ExACT Immunoplasty involves getting three injections in a clinic over an eight-week period, which studies have shown gives you the equivalent of 3-5 years of being on other forms of allergy immunotherapy like allergy drops or shots.

Allergy Drops

If a procedure like ExACT Immunoplasty doesnt seem right for you, allergy drops are a wonderful option. Allergy drops have been used for decades and are by far the most convenient option for patients, as they are taken at home and require only once-a-year trips to an allergists clinic after the initial testing is done and the drops are received.

Allergy Shots

Allergy shots are an affordable option for many patients, as they are typically covered by several insurance companies. Shots require regular trips to the clinic but give patients a very streamlined and easy-to-follow routine.

Tips to help relieve your allergy symptoms

These are things you can do right now to get some temporary relief from your allergy symptoms.

Do nasal rinses

One thing we recommend to almost all of our patients is to do regular nasal saline rinses with a Neti Pot, NeilMed, or similar alternative. This is the best at-home way to not only clear your nasal passages but also immediately start feeling relief. Theyre completely safe to do, we just recommend using distilled water.

Allergy-proof your home

A lot of us are unnecessarily exposed to allergens because we dont take the right precautions. Here are the top things you should be doing to make sure untreated allergies arent overtaking the inside of your home.

Change air filters regularly

If you have pets or live in a climate where A/C is used a lot, youre most likely not changing your air filters enough. Try to aim for once a month if one of these situations describes you.

Wash off and change clothes when coming home

Pollen is often microscopic, so its hard for us to tell how much were bringing into our home. When you come home after being outside, your clothes should be immediately put in your hamper, and you should at least wash off your hands and face.

Create a weekly cleaning routine

Dust mites and mold are the big bads'' of indoor allergens, and they are most easily squashed by a regular cleaning routine. Dust loves to collect when were not paying attention, and letting dust stack up on blinds and ceiling fans is not helping your allergies. We all know mold loves damp conditions, so regular cleaning, inspection, and dusting can alert you to any leaky faucets or standing water in the nooks and crannies of your home.

Get a HEPA air purifier

Probably THE most effective way to eliminate allergens from your home is with an air purifier. We spend 90% of our time indoors, so its important to make sure that the air were breathing isnt hurting us. Air purifiers are also very flexible for different budgets. You dont need to get a $500 one that purifies your entire home when you could get two $25-50 ones that just cover your living room and sleeping space.

Purchase a dust mite allergen cover for mattresses & pillows

Getting an impermeable zippered dust mite allergen mattress cover (along with regular washing of bedding in hot water/hot dryer) is one of the best ways to help remove dust mite exposure. These can be purchased online (Amazon) and in stores (Target, Walmart) and are typically inexpensive.

Take allergy medication effectively

It can be daunting with the number of different allergy medications available, but its important to choose the right one and make sure youre taking it to its full effectiveness.

Read the directions carefully before using them. If a medication doesn't work like its supposed to or is giving you side effects, you should speak with your doctor.

How Aspire Allergy & Sinus can help

If youre looking to get long-term relief from your allergies, our allergy specialists at Aspire Allergy & Sinus can help you achieve that. Aspire Allergy & Sinus is a specialized clinic that can help allergy sufferers treat their allergy symptoms with long-term allergy treatments. With the use of advanced diagnostic testing and personalized treatment plans, we can help patients identify the specific allergens that trigger their symptoms and develop a comprehensive treatment plan to manage their allergies effectively. This can include a range of treatments, such as immunotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes, that can help patients control their allergies and prevent long-term damage to their health. Book an appointment today so you can enjoy a better quality of life and reduce the risk of developing serious medical conditions associated with untreated allergies.