09-22-2009, 05:20 AM
When an allergy to dogs, cats, or other animals is suspected, the physician takes a medical history and performs diagnostic tests (e.g., scratch tests, blood tests). If possible, the patient or the animal is temporarily removed from the environment and the environment is thoroughly cleaned to determine if symptoms improve.
Scratch tests involve applying suspected allergens and then scratching the skin to introduce the substances into the skin. These tests, which are usually performed on the forearm, upper arm, or upper back, allow several allergens to be tested at the same time. Allergic reaction (e.g., itching, redness, swelling) usually occurs within 20 minutes.
Blood tests include the radioallergosorbent test (RAST), which is used to detect an allergic reaction. In this test, a sample of blood is taken, mixed with the suspected allergen, and the level of immunoglobulin E (IgE) is measured. IgE is an antibody produced by the immune system that indicates an allergic reaction.
Treatment
The proper treatment of pet allergies requires removing the animal from the environment and avoiding contact. If the animal is not removed, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America makes the following recommendations:
* Add an air cleaner (e.g., HEPA [high efficiency particulate air] filter, electrostatic filter) to central heating and air conditioning and use the filter for at least 4 hours each day.
* Bare floors (e.g., hardwood, tile) and walls are best. If carpeting is necessary, choose those with low pile and steam clean them often.
* Cover bedroom vents with a filtering material (e.g., cheesecloth).
* Have the pet brushed thoroughly daily (outside) to remove dander and washed every week.
* Keep the animal out of the bedroom of the allergic person and clean the bedroom thoroughly.
* Use a vacuum with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter if possible and wear a dust mask to vacuum.
Scratch tests involve applying suspected allergens and then scratching the skin to introduce the substances into the skin. These tests, which are usually performed on the forearm, upper arm, or upper back, allow several allergens to be tested at the same time. Allergic reaction (e.g., itching, redness, swelling) usually occurs within 20 minutes.
Blood tests include the radioallergosorbent test (RAST), which is used to detect an allergic reaction. In this test, a sample of blood is taken, mixed with the suspected allergen, and the level of immunoglobulin E (IgE) is measured. IgE is an antibody produced by the immune system that indicates an allergic reaction.
Treatment
The proper treatment of pet allergies requires removing the animal from the environment and avoiding contact. If the animal is not removed, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America makes the following recommendations:
* Add an air cleaner (e.g., HEPA [high efficiency particulate air] filter, electrostatic filter) to central heating and air conditioning and use the filter for at least 4 hours each day.
* Bare floors (e.g., hardwood, tile) and walls are best. If carpeting is necessary, choose those with low pile and steam clean them often.
* Cover bedroom vents with a filtering material (e.g., cheesecloth).
* Have the pet brushed thoroughly daily (outside) to remove dander and washed every week.
* Keep the animal out of the bedroom of the allergic person and clean the bedroom thoroughly.
* Use a vacuum with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter if possible and wear a dust mask to vacuum.