Brazil is the third country with the largest number of pets. In total, there are 149.6 million pets, according to data from the Pet Institute of Brazil. However, many pet owners suffer from allergies caused by their pets, causing bouts of sneezing, coughing, and itching. For reasons like these, people still have doubts about the possibility of people who live with pets developing allergies.

Although many people think that allergies are only related to contact with animal hair, this is not exactly what happens. Animals such as dogs and cats contain proteins that can trigger allergy attacks in humans.

In cats, the Fel d1 protein is found in saliva and spreads throughout the animal’s body after cats lick themselves, accounting for 95% of cat allergies. The most common symptoms of cat allergy include:

• Dry throat
• Itchy;
• Red and watery eyes.
• Sneezing and difficulty breathing.
• Runny nose.

Dogs cause allergies in humans due to the Can f1 protein found in animal dander, saliva and urine. When interacting with this protein, the human body shows some allergy symptoms, including:

• Sneezing, runny nose and rhinitis.
• Itching in the roof of the mouth, throat and ears.
• Shortness of breath and cough.
• Skin infections.
• Tearing and itching in the eyes.
• Redness and itching of the skin.

Learn about the care an allergic person should take with their pets
Living with a parent with an allergy to his or her pet may seem impossible, but there are some measures that facilitate this living and prevent the animal from being abandoned.

• Create an exclusive space for your pet. Give preference to rooms that do not have a bed, sofa or carpet;
• Remove items that can accumulate hair (curtains, rugs, drapes, rugs, upholstered furniture);
• Change your clothing after prolonged contact with an animal;
• Prevent animals from entering rooms;
• Use waterproof covers on mattresses, pillows and upholstery;
• Clean frequently to remove stray hair.
• How to recognize pet allergies and how to treat them

According to data from the Brazilian Society of Allergy and Immunology (Asbai), approximately 30% of Brazilians are allergic to something, and 20% of this population are children. This is explained by clinical allergist and immunologist Adriana Azubel Antunes “Children have over-reactive immune systems and get sick frequently, with viral infections being the main causes of allergy attacks in childhood.”

According to the specialist, allergies to animals are common and to identify them it is important to analyze the patient’s history of symptoms, including runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, itching, coughing or difficulty breathing. “This type of allergy can be confirmed through specific tests to determine the patient’s allergy profile, thus enabling more effective treatment guidelines.”complete.
To treat pet allergies, it is important to maintain cleanliness in the area where the pet is present and keep it away from certain areas of the home. Treatment can take two to three years and involves the use of a specific vaccine, which is not recommended for young children.

Source: Diario de Pernambuco

12 September 2023, at 00:01. Updated at 00:41.