The pleasure of breathing freely - what to do if you are suffocating from dog allergies

Children and dogs often find a common language, because kids are interested in playing with their four-legged friend. Sometimes interaction with a pet leads to the appearance of alarming symptoms. Your baby may have a runny nose, watery eyes, rashes, and other signs of an allergic reaction. Young parents immediately have the question of what to do if their child is allergic to a dog.

The situation becomes more complicated if the dog belongs to the family and constantly lives in the same house with the minor. If a child is found to be allergic to a dog, it is important to immediately consult a doctor to confirm the diagnosis and begin proper treatment.

Health comes first. Dog allergy tests: procedure for donating blood, risk factors in children

Almost a fifth of people are victims of dog allergies, more than half of them are children.
The appearance of this pathology is not related to size or breed, it is a reaction to animal waste products. About a third of families keep dogs, but four-legged friends can bring not only joy, but also serious health problems for their owners, especially for children.
They develop watery eyes, cough, rhinitis, skin rashes and other signs of allergies. It is generally accepted that the cause of allergic reactions is animal fur, and according to American doctors, it is found in every home, and even in places where there have never been dogs. What is the cause of such an allergy, how is the pathology usually diagnosed?

Diseases of 2 and 3 classes

To establish the disease, it is necessary to take allergy tests. The extent of the disease is assessed on a scale from grade 0 to grade 6.

Doctor, Tuzik makes me sneeze! Allergy to dog dander: how to treat, methods of prevention

Zero and first classes are the absence of the disease or weak, not always noticeable manifestations of it. A severe form of the disease manifests itself in grades 4, 5 and 6; in these cases, urgent medical assistance is required.

With class 2 allergy to dog epithelium, the signs of the disease are weak; with class 3 allergy to dog epithelium, they are noticeable, but not at a life-threatening stage.

Body reaction

Allergy is a protective reaction of the body, manifested by the appearance in the blood of antibodies (immunoglobulins E) that counteract allergens - Can f1 antigens.
But if they are present in excess, it causes allergic reactions. It is impossible to cure allergies; you can only stop the production of antibodies by reducing the concentration of provoking factors. This task is difficult, because Persistent allergens can travel through the air and persist for a long time in tiny dust particles.

The allergy is manifested by redness of the eyes, lacrimation and swelling of the eyelids, rashes and dermatitis, coughing and sneezing, bronchospasms, asthma and hearing impairment, and its extreme degree is Quincke's edema. The source of the allergy is not dog hair, but a foreign protein that is present on it in the form of saliva, fat, dander, and feces. However, this “provocateur” (coincidentally) can be contained in dry food, litter and care items for your four-legged pet, such as shampoos. And although this is not always the “fault” of the animal itself, without understanding it, everyone blames it.

Risk factors for this disease are often associated with heredity; it is known that the probability of its transmission from one parent is 50%, and from two - 70%. Its acquisition is also facilitated by a decrease in immunity due to serious illnesses, unfavorable ecology, unhealthy food, infections, and bad habits.

Reference. The ability of lymphocytes to recognize foreign bodies is innate. Therefore, the earlier a child encounters allergens, the less likely a painful reaction is. And allergies to dogs are less common in children who have been in contact with them since infancy.

Identification and interpretation of analyzes

An accurate diagnosis of dog allergies is not possible without a series of laboratory tests and tests. The list of frequently encountered studies to identify this pathology is extensive and constantly updated.

What tests are performed to detect allergies to dogs:

1. General blood analysis. This is the easiest method to detect inflammation and allergic components in the body. In relation to allergies, we are alarmed: leukocytes are increased to 12-15 thousand, and eosinophils in the leukocyte formula exceed 5%, ESR is at least 12-15 mm per hour.
2. A general urine test is also an important diagnostic indicator. Increased protein is a sign of inflammation; the blood elements present in it indicate impaired renal function or serum sickness, which occurs due to a malfunction of the immune system. The appearance of cylindrical bodies with fragments of eosinophils is an indicator of acute glomerulonephritis - immune damage to the renal glomeruli.
3. A biochemical blood test detects the presence of dog allergies by increasing the amount of C-reactive protein and immune complexes.
4. An immunogram is the ratio of different types of immunoglobulins in the blood; the presence of an allergy is indicated by an increased content of immunoglobulins E.
5. The detection of sensitized T-lymphocytes in the blood is an indicator of the body’s response to antigens present in saliva, feces, and animal fur with an accuracy of 90%.
6. Scarified tests. They are referred to as skin tests; during this procedure, scratches are made on the forearm or back with a sterile scarifier at certain intervals. Microdoses of different allergens are dropped onto each of them. After a third of an hour, reddened papules larger than 5 mm in size appear in the areas of the positive reaction.
7. Peak test is another type of skin test, the difference is in the method of applying the allergen: first on the skin, and then it gets under it with a needle puncture. The result is determined in the same way as in the previous case.
8. Patch test. The most gentle method is when applicators with allergens are glued to the skin. The consequences are checked after two days; they manifest themselves similarly to those described above. Even minor contact with an allergen can be dangerous during skin tests, which is why they are not used for diagnosis in children under 5 years of age. They are not used for dermatitis either.
9. Provocative tests involve injecting a tiny dose of an irritant into the nose or under the tongue. They are done only when skin testing is not possible. Due to the particular danger they are not used on children. These examinations are carried out only in clinics with intensive care units, so that emergency assistance can be provided in case of an immediate violent reaction of the body to them (for example, in anaphylactic shock).

And now more about analyzes No. 4.5, as specific and most accurate data for diagnosing the disease. They are carried out if skin tests cannot be done.

For adults, the normal content of total immunoglobulin should not exceed 50 mg per liter of blood. In children, these indicators are not stable and change with age. If antibodies are more than 200 mg per liter, this indicates the presence of an antigen or infection.

The reaction of immunoglobulin to various irritant antigens is classified as follows:

• Up to 50 units per ml – absent or negative.
• 50-100 units – yes, but weak.
• 100-200 units. – moderate.
• More than 200 units. – high.

If the reaction to the “dog” antigen is high, then with a certainty close to 100%, it can be said that this is an allergy to the dog.

Important! Sometimes asthmatic symptoms are not caused by the dog's hair itself, but by mold or pollen that comes into contact with it outdoors. Then the animal is only a carrier of the allergen. You can find out whether this is so only by temporarily removing the four-legged pet or by conducting appropriate tests.

Rules

It is important to know that immunological test data will not be reliable if you do not prepare for it accordingly. The preparation rules are aimed at maximally eliminating the influence of any foreign (and even potential) allergen:

1. Blood sampling is carried out on an empty stomach, the patient must have dinner 8-10 hours before, and the day before he is only allowed to drink clean water.
2. It is advisable for smokers to abstain from their habit for at least half a day.
3. A few days before the test, you should avoid foods that can cause allergies. Contact with animals and birds is also not advisable at this time.
4. Stressful situations or physical activity should also be avoided (similar to potential food allergens).
5. Temporarily stop taking any medications.
6. The patient must be absolutely healthy at the time of the procedure; if he had an acute viral or relapse of a chronic disease, then several days should pass from the moment of recovery.

When the total immunoglobulin level is significantly increased, the diagnosis continues by conducting studies for the presence of specific immunoglobulin. This laboratory test does not require special preparation; even taking antihistamines does not affect the presence of a resistant antigen. An exception is treatment with hormonal drugs.

Peculiarities

Diagnosis of allergies to dogs in children is carried out, as in adults, using the following methods:

• Allergy test - the most common of all, serves to identify a reaction to an allergen;
• skin testing using an allergen kit. Their solutions are weaker than for adults.

Contraindications for research:

• Exacerbation of an allergic or other chronic disease.
• Flu, ARVI or other infection.
• The disease is severe.
• Treatment with corticosteroids.

Before diagnosing the presence of an allergy to dogs in children, you need to visit a pediatrician, take general urine and blood tests and do a biochemical blood test. Skin and provocative tests are not practiced for children under 5 years of age; the immune system of children is not fully formed, which is why it is too vulnerable, and this is fraught with serious complications, including anaphylactic shock. In addition, this process is very painful. For children under 3 years of age, any type of testing is not advisable at all, because due to the specificity of their body’s protective reactions, it does not reflect the real picture, and the norms for these indicators change with age.

The method of collecting venous blood has no contraindications due to the lack of patient contact with the pathogen. With its help, the degree of risk of an allergic reaction in children with a hereditary predisposition is also identified.

IgE norms at different ages are as follows:

• in infants – no higher than 15 units per milliliter of blood;
• for preschoolers - up to 60 units.
• for younger schoolchildren – up to 90 units.
• for teenagers – up to 200 units. (same as in adults).

One of the most progressive and acceptable for children of any age is the radioallergosorbent test (RAST). Only specific allergens are used here, and no medications are discontinued before the examination.

Interesting! A genetic predisposition to a child's dog allergy can manifest itself even if the parents did not have a reaction to this irritant. For example, mom suffered from hay fever, and dad was allergic to citrus fruits.

How much does treatment cost?

The cost of 1 procedure in a course of treatment is 3,700 rubles. The cost of a course of subcutaneous autolymphocytotherapy (6–8 procedures) is respectively 22,200-29,600 rubles.

After a course of ALT, 3 free consultations are carried out by an allergist during 6 months of observation. In cases where a repeated course of treatment for an allergy to animal hair is necessary, an individual system of discounts is provided.

The initial examination of the patient and allergen tests are carried out in accordance with the standards of the Department of Health. Previous examinations and results of tests for IgE and allergens in other medical institutions are taken into account.

You can take a blood test for IgE and tests for allergens (skin tests) at medical centers where autolymphocytotherapy is performed.

Practical advice

Before diagnosis, food allergens are excluded from the diet for several days: honey, chocolate, milk, nuts, citrus fruits, seafood, vegetables and brightly colored fruits.
They also refuse products with preservatives, flavors, synthetic colors and sweeteners. You should be aware that the method for identifying general immunoglobulin reactions is not always reliable. This occurs because antibodies do not accumulate in the body immediately. And therefore, blood serum levels may not increase very quickly either. If the general immunoglobin test is normal, and the symptoms of allergy are on the face, then a test for specific antibodies should be done. There are no contraindications to it, but you cannot eat anything 3 hours before the examination.

The same examination is also useful if you need to identify allergies to the dog and the street pollen it carries. It also helps to find out the truth if you suspect that the cause of your puppy’s allergy is actually his shampoo or a bag of dry food.

Attention! People suffering from high blood pressure are at risk of allergic reactions, including to dogs.

In summary, it is useful to know the following about dog allergies:

1. It affects 15% of the population, more than half of them are children.
2. The danger of this disease manifesting itself is many times higher with a hereditary predisposition, environmental problems, various infectious and chronic diseases.
3. Treating household items by boiling does not prevent a reaction to the antigen.
4. Its provocateur is not the animal’s fur itself, but the protein present in the products of its vital activity. Therefore, it is impossible to reliably say which breed of four-legged animals is the safest.
5. Sometimes a reaction to pollen, poor-quality food or hygiene items of a four-legged friend is mistaken for this type of allergy.
6. There are several fairly reliable methods for identifying allergies to dogs, but not all of them are suitable for children and have a number of contraindications.
7. A comprehensive examination of the patient using several methods allows us to eliminate diagnostic errors and prescribe effective treatment that alleviates allergy symptoms that lead to dangerous diseases.

source

How to treat allergies?

Only an allergist or pediatrician should prescribe proper treatment. Do not make the appointment yourself. Allergies are a serious problem and require the same approach. The wrong medications can cause chronic conditions.

Your pediatrician may recommend:

1. Antihistamines taken orally in the form of tablets or drops block the action of the allergen (Cetirizine, Loratadine);
2. For a runny nose, doctors often prescribe steroid nasal sprays;
3. Eye symptoms are treated with antihistamine drops;
4. Respiratory and asthmatic symptoms are treated with inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators to prevent the problem.

Sometimes it happens that contact with an animal cannot be avoided. Then it is recommended to take the necessary medicine in advance for preventive purposes.

Immunotherapy

Many doctors recommend vaccination against dog allergies. This treatment aims to build tolerance over time by gradually introducing increasing doses of protein.

The method is not fast, but effective. The main condition will also be the absence of an animal in the house.

What to do if you really want to keep the dog?

The best treatment is to avoid contact with dogs. But very often the dog becomes a member of the family, lives in it for a long time, everyone loves it. Is it possible to find a treatment without removing the animal?

If you have a dog but don't want to find a new home for it, or your family wants a dog but one member has allergies, here are some strategies to help avoid symptoms:

• Keep your dog out of the bedroom. Don’t even allow her to run in for a minute, keep the door closed;
• If your baby has allergies, petting, hugging or kissing the dog is prohibited. If you have had contact with an animal, be sure to wash your hands with soap;
• Remove carpets and rugs;
• Use air purifiers in your home with a HEPA filter;
• Regularly use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter;
• Bathe your animal at least once a week, this will significantly reduce the level of allergen in the apartment (wet fur does not spread the allergen);
• Brush the coat several times a week.

Testing for dog allergies: testing features

According to statistics, every second family in the world has a four-legged pet, half of these pets are dogs. Unfortunately, a pet can give its owner and his family members not only joyful moments, but also health problems, and more specifically, allergies. An allergic reaction is almost never associated with the size of the animal or its breed; this disease is provoked by fur, urine, saliva, and skin particles.

If a person experiences symptoms such as nasal congestion, watery eyes, sore or burning throat, itching and rashes on the body, it is necessary to undergo allergy tests to identify the cause of the pathology. Today we will tell you how a dog allergy test is done, how it is carried out and what indicators are considered critical.

Dog allergy test

What dog breeds do not cause allergies?

Allergy-free dogs are an allergy sufferer's dream. However, unfortunately, there are no hypoallergenic dog breeds. But there is an opinion that short-haired dogs cause allergic reactions more often than long-haired dogs. This is due to the fact that smooth-haired dogs shed almost all year round, and therefore pose the greatest danger. However, if a person is allergic to animal saliva, any breed of dog is not suitable for him to keep.

Which dogs are not allergic?

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Symptoms of a dog allergy

The symptoms that accompany an allergy to a pet are no different from the symptoms of any other type of allergic reaction. When in contact with a source that provokes an allergy attack, a person may feel:

1. Redness of the eyes, while the eyes itch, the eyelids swell, and watery eyes occur.
2. Runny nose, swelling and burning of the mucous membranes, the snot is liquid and transparent, the allergic person sneezes incessantly.
3. Difficulty breathing, cough, sore throat.
4. Skin itching, urticaria-type rashes, etc.

If symptoms occur during contact with the dog or immediately after it, you should think that the reaction was caused by the pet. However, there are nuances. Firstly, allergy symptoms can disturb a person not at the moment of interaction with an animal, but much later, even after a few days. This is due to the accumulation of antigen in the blood and an untimely response of the immune system.

Secondly, a person with a reaction to dogs can experience an allergic attack while communicating with the owner of the animal, while being in a car or in a room where the animal was recently, but not now. In this situation, it is more difficult to establish the cause of the allergy.

Thirdly, contact with a dog and subsequent symptoms do not necessarily indicate that the dog is the antigen. An animal can carry traces of other allergens on its fur: cosmetics, human perfumes, pollen, plant and fungal spores, food crumbs, etc. Ultimately, allergic reactions in humans may not apply to all dogs, but to certain breeds or specific representatives of the species.

There may be an allergic reaction to a certain breed

Why do allergies to dogs occur?

An allergic reaction is the body’s defense against substances that provoke the production of immunoglobulins in the blood, or, more simply, antigens that fight allergens. When their concentration in the blood is too high, a person begins to suffer from extremely unpleasant symptoms: redness of the eyes, lacrimation and swelling of the eyelids, runny nose, sneezing and coughing, skin rashes; in extreme cases, asthma, allergic bronchitis, and Quincke's edema can develop.

There are two main causes of allergies in people. First of all, this disease is considered hereditary; it is believed that if one parent suffers from allergies, the probability that the problem will be passed on to the child is fifty percent. If both mom and dad are allergic, the risks for their child increase to 70%. The second reason is a decrease in immunity caused by poor ecology, serious illnesses and bad habits. Curing allergies completely is a labor-intensive and time-consuming task. It is easier to reduce the concentration of factors that provoke an allergic reaction and thus reduce the production of antigens.

If we talk about allergies to dogs, the opinion that it is the animal’s fur that causes it is erroneous. The source of an allergic reaction is a protein of a nature foreign to humans in the form of dandruff and particles of dead animal skin, its saliva, fat, and feces. Dogs, accordingly, carry this protein on their fur, which, in turn, scatters throughout the house and provokes allergic attacks.

In families where children grow up with dogs, there are practically no allergies.

Important point! From birth, the child’s body contains lymphocytes capable of recognizing foreign proteins. Accordingly, the likelihood of an allergic reaction decreases in proportion to the age of the baby at which he first encounters allergens. That is, the earlier a dog appears in a child’s life, the lower the chances of allergies. As a rule, children who have been in contact with animals since infancy are not susceptible to a pathological reaction.

Benefits of treating cat and dog allergies with ALT

An allergy to dog epithelium in a child is especially dangerous. The younger the child is, the more attentive you need to be to the disease. Skin rashes can develop into pustules, a cough can reach the state of bronchitis. This is due to the weak resistance of the baby’s immune system.

Epithelial cells that are allergenic to humans cover the skin and mucous membranes of the dog’s organs. When they die, they end up in saliva, urine, feces, and form dandruff in the animal’s fur. The symptoms of an allergy to canine epithelium are the same for a child and an adult:

• the nose is stuffy, the patient is sneezing, it’s hard for him to breathe;
• the eyelids swell, the eyes become inflamed and itchy, tears flow;
• the allergy sufferer coughs and complains of a sore throat;
• the body turns red in places, itches, becomes covered with dry spots, and a rash;
• intestinal colic is possible (especially in children under 3-4 years old);
• there is a pressing sensation in the ears, as with hypotension or otitis media.

In severe cases, severe swelling of the nasopharynx and an asthmatic attack with a hysterical cough and wheezing are possible. Urgent medical attention is needed.

An allergenic dog epithelial cell can be inhaled like a virus. After playing with the dog and touching his toy, the person carries away the animal protein in his arms. Without proper hygiene, it enters the stomach and triggers a negative reaction. Epithelial cells can be brought from the street on the soles of shoes.

Dog hair is mistakenly blamed for causing the disease, but it is harmless. The true culprit of unpleasant symptoms is dead epithelial cells of the animal.

The body of any pet (including dogs) produces special proteins that can cause allergies in people prone to atypical reactions of the immune system. Dog allergies are especially common in children: this is explained by the fact that the child’s body has not yet fully developed immunity.

Most people believe that allergies can only be caused by dog ​​fur or saliva. In reality, the situation is different: protein substances-allergens produced by animals are part of the epithelium, dandruff, secretions of sweat glands, excrement and urine of a pet. Wool often acts only as a transporter, through which the allergen spreads throughout the apartment.

How does dog allergy manifest in children and adults? There is no exact answer to this question, since each person’s body reacts differently to allergens produced by pets. However, there are a number of signs that are most common. These include:

• manifestations from the eyes: lacrimation, redness of the whites, swelling of the eyelids, photophobia, conjunctivitis;
• manifestations from the nasopharynx: runny nose, sneezing, hoarseness of voice;
• from the bronchopulmonary system: cough (up to asthmatic attacks), frequent bronchitis;
• skin manifestations: rash, peeling, dryness, redness of the skin, itching, burning;

Also, sometimes there are particularly serious symptoms of dog allergy in a child. These include swelling of the face and tongue, as well as anaphylactic shock (convulsions, shortness of breath, loss of consciousness).

If an allergy to a dog’s saliva, its fur or dandruff manifests itself in the form of rashes, dryness and itching of the skin, we recommend that you use La Cree products to relieve symptoms. In particular, to eliminate excessive allergic dryness, you can use La Cree intensive cream for dry skin. The licorice and violet extracts included in the product help cope with flaking and have an antipruritic effect, while shea butter, jojoba and wheat germ help fight rashes.

Please remember that La Cree products are not medicinal. This means that treatment for dog allergies should be based, among other things, on the use of medications prescribed by your doctor.

Allergy photos

• impaired free breathing, congestion, itching and burning in the nose;
• bouts of sneezing and profuse mucous discharge from the nose;
• redness, itching of the eyes, lacrimation;
• paroxysmal dry cough;
• attacks of suffocation;
• contact dermatitis: redness, rashes, itching during direct contact with an animal.

First, you should understand that there are no completely hypoallergenic animals (cats and dogs that do not cause allergies)!

The smaller the dog, the fewer allergens it emits into the environment. The less fur a cat or dog has, the fewer allergens it creates as a result of its life activities. But it is still not possible to completely eliminate allergens from animals in the house. Even if you remove a cat or dog from a room, the allergens remain there for up to six months!

Therefore, an allergy sufferer will be disappointed by the answer to the question: “What animals are you not allergic to?” There are simply no such pets. Cats without hair (the Sphynx breed) cause allergies to their secretions no less than their furred counterparts.

An allergist’s clear recommendation for epidermal allergies is not to have any pets or have contact with them. And cats and dogs already living in the house must be moved away from you, because... You are creating a real threat to your own health!

If you notice signs of an allergy to animals in yourself or your child, then it is better to immediately forget about treating the symptoms of the disease with the help of:

• Antihistamines and tablets from TV advertisements (Kestin, Loratadine, Zyrtec, Suprastin, etc.);
• Hormonal and non-hormonal ointments and creams (Advantan, Elokom, Fenistil, etc.);
• Various folk remedies for treatment at home;
• Homeopathy;
• Grandmothers-healers and psychics.

All this does not affect the cause of the disease and has only a temporary effect. Sooner or later, you will experience an exacerbation of the disease, up to its transition to bronchial asthma.

In 2020, a unique medical technology – autolymphocytotherapy (see below) will help completely cure allergies to animal fur in children and adults.

Autolymphocytotherapy (abbreviated as ALT) has been widely used in the treatment of patients with various forms of allergic diseases for more than 20 years; the method was first patented in 1992.

For children, treatment of allergies to cats and dogs using the “Alt” method is carried out after 5 years.

Adults can treat allergies to cat or dog hair even in retirement.

The method of "Autolymphocytotherapy", in addition to the treatment of "animal allergies", is widely used for: atopic dermatitis, urticaria, Quincke's edema, bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, hay fever, food allergies, allergies to household allergens, allergies to pets, allergies to cold and ultraviolet rays (photodermatitis).

The ALT method is beyond competition, because ASIT (allergen-specific immunotherapy) is not performed for animal allergies.

The essence of the ALT method is to use one’s own immune cells – lymphocytes – to restore normal immune function and reduce the body’s sensitivity to various allergens.

With the help of ALT, you can simultaneously treat allergies to several different allergens, for example, to animal hair and house dust, tree pollen and cats, etc.

Autolymphocytotherapy is carried out on an outpatient basis, in an allergology office as prescribed and under the supervision of an allergist-immunologist. Lymphocytes are isolated from a small amount of the patient's venous blood under sterile laboratory conditions.

The isolated lymphocytes are injected subcutaneously into the lateral surface of the shoulder. Before each procedure, the patient is examined in order to individually prescribe the dose of the administered autovaccine. Apart from its own lymphocytes and physiological solution, the autovaccine does not contain any drugs. Treatment regimens and the number and frequency of immune cells administered depend on the severity of the disease.

• 1. – Taking 5 ml of blood.
• 2.– Isolation of autolymphocytes
• 3.– Examination by an allergist and determination of the autovaccine dose
• 4.– Subcutaneous injection of own lymphocytes

Normalization of the functions of the immune system and reduction of the body's sensitivity to allergens from dog or cat hair occurs gradually. Cancellation of supportive symptomatic therapy is also carried out gradually under the supervision of an allergist. The patient is given the opportunity to have 3 free follow-up consultations within 6 months of observation after completing the course of treatment using the Autolymphocytotherapy method.

The effectiveness of treatment is determined by the individual characteristics of the immune system. This process to a certain extent depends on the patient’s compliance with the recommendations of the allergist during the period of treatment and rehabilitation.

You can find out about possible contraindications here.

specialist

• We treat the cause of the disease, not its symptoms
• Minimum contraindications
• No hospitalization or time away from work required
• The course of treatment is only 3-4 weeks
• 1 procedure takes only 1-2 hours
• Treatment is possible in the absence of persistent remissions
• Autolymphocytotherapy can be combined with any symptomatic treatment
• THE METHOD IS AUTHORIZED BY THE FEDERAL SERVICE FOR SUPERVISION IN THE FIELD OF HEALTHCARE

When assessing long-term treatment results, the following indicators of disease remission are observed:

• 36%

  Remission over 5 years – in 36% of cases

• 43%

  Remission from 1 to 5 years – in 43% of cases

• 21%

  Remission of less than a year was observed in 21% of patients

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Identifying dog allergies

Without a series of diagnostic tests and analyzes that are only possible in laboratory conditions, it is impossible to accurately diagnose allergic reactions and the causes of their occurrence. By contacting an allergist, a person will receive a series of tests that will reveal a clear allergy provocation.

Table 1. Tests that detect allergies to dogs

* Passing prick and patch tests, provocation tests is impossible if the patient is less than five years old and more than sixty years old, with inflammatory processes on the skin; Also, these types of studies are contraindicated for pregnant women and persons undergoing hormonal treatment.

**In an adult, the content of total E-immunoglobulin in the blood does not exceed 50 mg per liter of blood. Children's indicators are unstable and change with age, but if immunoglobulin is more than 200 mg per liter of blood, we are talking about an infection or allergy.

There is a classification according to which the reaction of E-immunoglobulin to introduced allergens is considered:

• more than 200 units – high;
• from 100 to 200 units – moderate;
• from 50 to 100 units – present, but weakly expressed;
• up to 50 units – absent/negative for this type of allergen.

A person who reacts to dogs is not always allergic to them.

Important point! Passing laboratory tests is necessary, since an allergic reaction that occurs in a person when interacting with a dog does not always indicate that the cause is in the animal. Dogs can carry dust, pollen from flowering plants, particles of dry food, mold and similar substances. Therefore, before abandoning an animal or communicating with it, it is necessary to visit a medical facility to obtain an allergist’s opinion.

Rules for taking allergy tests

Like any medical manipulation, allergy tests require certain preparation, as well as a person’s compliance with the rules, without which the results will be unreliable. First of all, the patient must understand that preparation for the study involves excluding any extraneous allergens and provoking factors.

How to prepare for testing?

To count on maximum accuracy of the data obtained, you need to:

1. Go to the allergist on an empty stomach (last meal 10-12 hours before the test, you are allowed to drink clean water).
2. Stop drinking alcohol at least three days before the tests; smokers should abstain from cigarettes for a day.
3. Minimize contact with animals and birds, avoid foods high in allergens (citrus fruits, dairy products, berries, chocolate, honey, eggs).
4. Avoid physical activity and stressful situations.
5. Stop taking vitamins, dietary supplements, and medications.
6. Come for examinations only in a state of complete health; at least five days must pass from the moment of recovery.

Typically, research is carried out from general to specific. That is, it is first determined whether the general level of E-immunoglobulin is elevated, and in a positive case, tests are carried out that identify a specific, specific immunoglobulin, etc. Accordingly, the most appropriate option is to donate urine and blood for general and biochemical analysis, based on the results of which narrower types of testing are prescribed.

Diagnosis of dog allergy in a child

To find out the cause of an allergic reaction in children, the same methods are used as for adult patients. The most common types of diagnostics are allergy tests and skin tests, only weaker allergen solutions are used.

Remember that the study should be postponed if the child has an infection (flu, ARVI, etc.) or the child has an exacerbation of a chronic disease. Also, tests will not show the correct result during treatment with corticosteroids or taking antihistamines.

Before visiting an allergist, the child should be shown to a pediatrician

Before visiting an allergist, the child needs to be shown to a pediatrician, having received from him directions for biochemistry and a general blood test, a urine test. Children under five years of age are not subject to allergy tests, since the immune system is in the process of development and is not able to fully protect the body. For children under two or three years of age, testing for allergies of any type is not at all advisable, since immunoglobulin levels are unstable, and the body’s protective reactions can act regardless of the real danger.

Therefore, in young children it is possible to identify allergies only through a blood test, in which case it is taken from a vein. This is what the norms of total E-immunoglobulin look like for children of different ages (per liter of blood):

• teenagers – up to 200 units (the norm for an adult);
• younger schoolchildren - up to 90 units;
• preschoolers – up to 50-60 units;
• infants - up to 15 units.

Young children are not tested for allergies, except for blood tests.

Drug treatment

Allergic manifestations are treated with antihistamines and auxiliary agents:

1. Ointments, creams, gels. Used for swelling of the body, itchy dermatitis. If the symptoms are moderate, Finestil, Vitaon, Nezulin are prescribed. In more serious cases, hormonal ointments are used - Prednisolone, Hydrocortisone, Fluorocort, Cinacort.
2. Pills. Suppress the pathogen. Popular tablets are Suprastin, Diazolin, Tavegil, Claritin, Cetrin, Loratadine. May cause drowsiness and lethargy after administration.
3. Drops, sprays. They constrict blood vessels, make breathing easier, relieve redness and swelling of the eyes. Zyrtec, Fenistil, Vibrocil, Lecroin are popular.
4. Enterosorbents. These are drugs for general cleansing of the body, neutralizing toxins. Popular sorbents are Activated carbon, Polysorb, Enterosgel, Polyphepan.

With the rapid development of allergies (class 5.6), medications are administered using intramuscular or intravenous injections.

What to do if an allergy to a dog is confirmed?

The answer to this question depends on the decision of the person who has been diagnosed with an allergy to dogs. If the animal does not live with you, then it is necessary to minimize contact with other people’s dogs; If the meeting cannot be avoided, you can take antihistamines in advance and wear a medical mask. If an allergy is discovered in a dog owner, he will have to decide whether he will part with the pet forever. A positive solution to this issue implies that the source of the allergy will be eliminated.

When meeting a dog, use a medical mask

But there are also owners who are not ready to betray their four-legged companion and want to reconcile their illness with the presence of a dog in the house. In this case, enhanced preventive measures are needed.

First of all, you need to limit the animal’s movement around the apartment by selecting an area where the dog is not allowed to enter (best of all, if it is a room where a person sleeps). The animal should not be allowed onto the sleeping area or upholstered furniture; you should not allow the dog to lick you; too much tactile contact is undesirable. When walking with your dog, you can wear gloves to prevent saliva from getting on your skin when the animal brings a stick or toy.

The living area needs to be cleaned regularly and thoroughly: vacuuming, dusting, it is advisable to install humidifiers or even air washers that remove the smallest allergens from it. It is worth getting rid of heavy curtains and drapes, removing carpets, removing covers or bedspreads with folds from furniture. Bed linen should be washed once a week, carefully ironing. Each room should be ventilated before going to bed, and the windows should be left open so that fresh air always enters the room.

Maintain your pet's hygiene

The last, most important rule concerns hygiene and care for the animal itself. The dog must be healthy, have vaccinations and be treated for parasites. The fact is that a pet’s reduced immunity makes it more allergenic. If an allergy sufferer lives with the animal, the dog should be washed more often, using a gentle hypoallergenic dog shampoo. A person who does not suffer from an allergic reaction should be instructed to regularly comb the animal, freeing it from dead fur. Of course, the procedure should not be carried out indoors; you can do it on a walk or take your pet to the groomer. If the breed allows, a long-haired dog can be cut shorter.

Remember that there are no hypoallergenic dog breeds, as some puppy breeders claim. We mentioned above that allergies to animal fur rarely occur; the true causative agent of the reaction is a protein that is found on the skin of the animal, in urine and feces, saliva, and grease from the fur.

Relief of allergic attacks

The next step is to take standard pharmaceutical medications that eliminate allergy symptoms. Let us remind you that this disease has no cure; a person can only stop the attack. To do this, you can use a combination of tablets and nasal sprays; if prescribed by a doctor, injections can be used. Let's look at the most popular and effective antihistamines.

Table 2. Remedies for allergic attack relief

In any case, the treatment regimen should be selected by a specialist, an allergist, having in hand the results of examinations and allergy tests. Of course, it is not forbidden to have antihistamines in your medicine cabinet, knowing about your predisposition to allergies, but you cannot prescribe medications to take on an ongoing basis without a doctor.

There is a method of treating allergies based on the regular introduction of antigens into the body - specific hyposensitization. The patient is injected with the allergen subcutaneously or orally, in microscopic doses and for a long time. It has been proven that the effectiveness and success of this method reaches 90%. By and large, the hyposensitization technique is also used by dog ​​owners who do not give up their pet and spend some time with it every day.

Let us note that there are often cases when an allergy to dogs goes away over time in people who do not refuse to communicate with their pet. The fact is that the human immune system may no longer consider the allergen foreign, and the reaction stops.

Video - Allergy to dogs: typical misconceptions

A big problem from our smaller brothers. Allergy to dog urine

The appearance of a dog at home usually promises many pleasant moments: the joy of meeting, getting to know each other, noisy games. But sometimes communication with a new furry friend is overshadowed by unexpected health problems with the owner or one of the family members. If the painful condition arose soon after a new pet moved into the house, the cause may be an allergy to the dog.

Emergence

The human body is constantly under attack from pathogenic microbes. To protect against them, the immune system exists: it recognizes the source of a foreign protein that does not match its own in structure and seeks to destroy it. To do this, an immune response is formed - a series of biochemical reactions of the body that allow it to break down foreign protein compounds and remember them.

An allergy is a malfunction of the immune system. A completely harmless protein compound, which can be contained, for example, in plant pollen, a food product or in dog urine, is perceived as an alien and hostile protein. An intensified, excessive reaction of the body begins, which manifests itself in a number of very unpleasant and dangerous symptoms.

Manifestations

Urine contains many caustic substances - urea, oxalic acid salts, which have an irritating effect on the skin with prolonged contact.

Symptoms in adults

It usually appears as dermatitis and can be recognized by the following symptoms:

• skin manifestations predominate - redness, itching, rashes that develop from mild to painful;
• irritation does not appear immediately after the first contact, but after 10-14 days;
• the location of irritation coincides with the place of contact with the allergen;
• When direct contact is eliminated, the condition improves.

Typically, adults come into contact with dog urine while cleaning up after the dog, bathing it, or washing walking clothes. The hands most often become the point of contact with this irritating factor, and therefore it is on them that the elements of the rash will appear.

Child's reaction

A child is less likely to come into contact with dog urine in everyday life, so he is less likely to develop skin manifestations.

But if a child has hypersensitivity, an allergic reaction can be caused by dried urine, for example, remaining on an animal's fur.

Together with the hairs, allergens are carried throughout the living space, entering the child’s respiratory tract with the air.

As a result, respiratory allergies develop. It manifests itself with the following symptoms:

• runny nose and nasal congestion;
• redness and swelling of the mucous membranes of the nose and eyes;
• watery eyes;
• cough.

Important! A predisposition to allergies is inherited, so if allergic dermatitis to dog urine occurs in parents, an allergic reaction can be expected in children.

Photo

For allergy sufferers, the source of danger is microscopic mucous particles that constantly die and are excreted along with urine. They contain allergens that cause an allergic reaction in sensitive people.

If any symptoms appear, immediate treatment should be started.

Eliminating the cause

Of course, this is not a suggestion to immediately get rid of the dog. The source of allergens must be eliminated. To do this, it is necessary to teach the dog to keep the house clean: first of all, not to urinate in places not designated for this purpose. This will reduce the amount of contact with urine, which will give immediate beneficial results.

In some cases, this is unattainable, then you have to use personal protective equipment - rubber gloves. They reliably isolate the skin surface from the allergen and allow cleaning without loss. They should also be worn when washing the dog or washing its walking clothes.

Bathing should be a frequent procedure for your pet, since droplets of urine can remain on the fur, which, when dried, will cause a new outbreak of an allergic reaction in people.

A dog's bedding can also be a source of allergies, so it will need to be washed frequently, at least twice a week. It is better to have two such beddings - then you can alternate them during drying. You should also not allow your dog to sleep on someone else’s bed or on upholstered furniture.

Grooming a dog will be a good solution if a respiratory allergy to dog urine occurs, eliminating the route of spread of allergens.

There is no need to rush to get rid of your dog if you discover an allergy to its urine. Strict adherence to hygiene rules is enough to maintain a normal life.

Medicinal assistance

To combat allergic manifestations on the skin, many products have been developed - creams, gels, ointments. The most effective drugs are those based on glucocorticosteroids. However, they should be used with caution, as long-term use can lead to unwanted side effects, such as tissue death.

Modern hormonal drugs include Advantan, Triderm, Sinaflan, Beloderm. They are available in the form of ointments and creams in various dosages. The selection of the drug and determination of the frequency of use per day should be made by a doctor.

In addition to hormonal agents, you can use topical healing drugs, such as Bepanten, Boro Plus.

If respiratory allergies develop, it is recommended to use systemic antiallergic drugs - Claritin, Erius, Fenistil.

ethnoscience

In addition to ready-made creams and ointments offered in pharmacies, herbal remedies from the arsenal of traditional medicine can help in the fight against skin manifestations of allergies.

Thus, many herbs can relieve inflammation and speed up healing: St. John's wort, plantain, yarrow, nettle, common thyme. Birch buds, oak bark, and raw potatoes will help with allergies.

Several effective recipes:

1. the plantain (you can finely chop it, but it’s better to grind it) and wrap it in a piece of bandage. Press lightly until the juice comes out, then apply to the inflamed skin, do not press or rub. After 10-15 minutes, remove. There is no need to wash the skin;
2. St. John's wort (preferably fresh) with pure vegetable oil. Olive or flaxseed is good if there is no allergic reaction to them. The ratio should be 1:10 if fresh herb is used. Leave for 12-14 days in a dark place. Lubricate the inflamed areas once a day;
3. the birch buds and let it brew in a water bath for 15 minutes. Strain the resulting broth and cool to room temperature. Use for rinsing or lotions;
4. Wash, peel, grate raw potatoes Wrap in a bandage and apply to the rash areas.

Let's summarize

An allergy to dogs is an extremely unpleasant thing that causes significant physical inconvenience to a person. And in the case when the pet is a full-fledged member of the family, the person’s suffering also takes on a psychological connotation, since there is absolutely no desire to part with a beloved friend.

It is not a fact that lacrimation and a sore throat caused by the appearance of a dog in the field of view are provoked by the animal itself. To find out for sure, you need to do an allergy test, in particular, to the “dog” antigen. And after receiving the test results, make a decision - to protect yourself from the four-legged source of allergies or to come to terms with the symptoms and continue to enjoy communication with your pet.

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