Animal allergy is caused by contact with or inhalation of small particles of dander or urine containing the allergens responsible for causing symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis, asthma, contact urticaria and even anaphylaxis1.
In the last decade, there has been a considerable increase in the prevalence of animal allergy, causing a major health problem, with a notable impact on the quality of life of patients.
The ideal treatment of a patient allergic to an animal consists of removing it from the home and avoiding contact with it. Immunotherapy with animal allergens should be considered in allergic individuals in whom exposure to animals is unavoidable.
Recommendations for the patient allergic to animal:
- Removal of the animal at home.
- Washing dogs twice a week may help reduce allergens.
- Washing cats does not significantly reduce the presence of allergens.
- Install air purifiers with HEPA filters.
- Apply commercial pet lotions once a week to reduce dander shedding.
- Thoroughly clean the house every week with vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters, mainly on mattresses, pillows, upholstered furniture and curtains, where animal allergens are most deposited.
- Avoid, as far as possible, contact with people who have animals, do not go to pet stores or other places where there could be them.
- Ventilate the house often.
Bibliography:
Capítulo 1. El libro de las enfermedades alérgicas. Editores: Dr. José Manuel Zubeldia, Dra. M.ª Luisa Baeza, Dr. Tomás Chivato, Dr. Ignacio Jáuregui y Dr. Carlos J.Senent. https://www.fbbva.es/alergia/los-responsables-de-la-rinoconjuntivitis-y-el-asma-alergicas/alergia-por-polenes-que-son-y-como-evitarlos/
