Dog Allergy: The Symptoms, Treatments and the Preventions

April 22, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Pet Allergies

Dog Allergy

Dog Allergy

Dog allergy can happen to anyone regardless of his or her age and physical condition. Usually, allergens of this type of allergy are found in the saliva, dander, urine and skin of the dog. They are also found in the dog’s hair and fur.

Dog allergy can cause anyone to have asthma, headaches, hives, loss of voice, watery-eyes, itchy tongue, sneezing, nasal congestion and fatigue. However, you can only know if you have it when you know how to identify its symptoms.

The following is the list of symptoms of dog allergy:

• Swollen eyes
• Itchiness and redness
• Runny nose
• Frequent bronchitis
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Itchy ear

The treatments for this type of allergy are just the same as what is recommended for other allergies. Some of them are:

Medications

Medications such as corticosteroids, topical nasal spray, oral antihistamines and bronchodilators are usually recommended by more doctors.

Immunotherapy

This includes injections in different dosages.

Energy-Based Allergy Removal

This is the fastest and simplest method in treating dog allergy.

If you still have not experienced this type or allergy, then do not wish for it. In fact, you should avoid it as early as possible. Follow the tips below on how you can possibly avoid dog allergy:

• After each contact with your dog, wash your hand properly.
• You can also change your clothing when you have had contact with a dog to remove the allergens that are possibly sticking to your clothing.
• Do not allow your dog to stay inside your house.
• Avoid using carpets because they might have the chance to collect allergens from your dog.
• Wash the walls in you home frequently.
• Bathe your dog every week since this can reduce the allergens in his body.

Learn how to minimize and remove dog allergy from your system by educating yourself of the things that you should know about it. This article could help you treat and avoid them. Your only job is to follow what you have read and keep them in mind always.


Cat Allergy Information for Pet Cat Lovers

April 20, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Pet Allergies

Cat Allergy

Cat Allergy

One of the usual pets in every home is the cat, this is because many people find it easy to take care of. Likewise, it is considered as a very sweet animal. However, all cat lovers must be cautious because cats may cause allergies to us humans especially to a number of allergic individuals.

Cats contain a substance called glycoprotein, secreted by their sebaceous glands, which is the main cause of allergen of cats. This can be found in the fur of the cat, in its urine, saliva, hair roots, and pelt. The worst is that cat allergens are very tiny, about ten times smaller than dust particles, are airborne for almost a few months and can be carried on clothing, and different stuff exposed to cats.

An allergic individual exposed to cats and their allergens may suffer some symptoms such as reddening, swelling and watering of eyes, sneezing, itchiness of the nose, skin, ears, and some other parts of the body, may increase skin rashes, conciseness of breathing and some endure asthma.

One perfect preventive measure to avoid cat allergy is to remove cats in your home. If you cannot get rid of cats, you can reduce the allergen in your homes by avoiding the use of soft upholstered furniture. You should also off limit your cats especially on your living rooms and bedrooms. There is also a study, which shows that washing cats in a regular basis reduces its allergen.

An individual who suffers from cat allergy should always keep away from cats, and should frequently follow what is being advised by physicians, because some people who tend to disregard physician’s advises may cause more bad effects on them.


Are Allergy Shots Effective?

April 19, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Allergy Medicine

By: Harold Miller

Allergy Shots

Allergy Shots

Itchy, watery eyes, runny nose and sneezing are all common symptoms which a vast majority of us experience as allergy symptoms at specific times throughout the year. Many individuals do everything in their power to avoid allergies including changing their diets, staying indoors or taking vitamin supplements. These may contribute to fighting allergies, but there is another effective way to do so. Immunotherapy or allergy shots are gaining popularity. Getting an allergy shot can be scary for some people, so we thought it would be best to fully explain allergy shots and address some common concerns.

How Do They Work?

Allergy shots contain a small amount of the substance which you are allergic to. If you are allergic to pollen, a small amount of pollen would be added to the shot. The amount is small enough so that it does not cause you to suffering from allergy symptoms, but enough so that you body gets used to fighting the allergen. Therefore, the next time your body comes in contact with that substance, it will be familiar with fighting it off and you will most likely not suffer from allergies.

Are Allergy Shots Safe For Everyone?

Although most people will have positive results from allergy shots, they are not right for everyone. Allergy shots are not recommended for individuals suffering from severe heart problems, asthma or other respiratory problems. Also, children under the age of 5 should not be exposed to allergy shots for safety reasons.

What Is The Procedure?

Once you have decided that you would like to get allergy shots, you will receive a shot 1 or 2 times a week for about 6 months. Afterwards, your maintenance shots will require you to get one shot a month, year round for about 3-5 years. Once you have received allergy shots on a regular basis for a couple years, you can discuss it with your doctor and they may tell you its okay to stop getting them at that point.

What Are The Side Effects?

Although allergy shots are effective for many individuals in eliminating allergy symptoms, certain individuals may experience some harmful side effects. Some people may experience feelings of shock when the shot is initially injected, others may feel light-headed or nauseated. For this reason, doctors are required to keep patients in their office for at least 20 minutes after receiving each shot in order to ensure the patient’s safety.

Some people swear by allergy shots while others criticize the effects or claim they don’t work effectively. If you are considering receiving immunotherapy, contact your doctor to discuss. Your doctor will give you more insight in order for you to determine if this is something you really want to do.


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