Patients Learn About Safe Dog Allergy Treat-Ment Options With St Louis Allergist

By Darcy Gautreau


Pets make great companions, offering tons of affection, endless loyalty and loads of fun. Sadly, not everyone can own one of these furry friends without dealing with some adverse consequences. Fortunately, a St Louis, MO allergist has therapy options that could help those who suffer with animal allergies to live peacefully with their canines.

When a person's immune system has an adverse reaction to a stimulus, the resulting condition is known as allergies. This might cause one to experience uncomfortable symptoms such as skin rashes, itchy or watery eyes, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, congestion, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing and sniffling. Some manifestations are so intense that the individual can not be in homes with pets.

What most people do not realize is that they are not actually allergic to the animal, but to certain proteins found in their dander, saliva, skin and urine. When pets go outside, their fur collects allergens like mold spores, pollen and other substances. These products can trigger asthma and immune responses.

Choosing to adopt hypoallergenic dogs is how many sufferers attempt to escape their symptoms. The problem is that no breed is completely free of allergens. Some may produce smaller quantities of the protein irritants, making them more comfortable to be around, but if allowed outside, they may still collect those triggering substances.

Doctors who practice in the field of immunology, focusing on allergies, can determine exactly what a person is reacting too and formulate an approach to counteract it. Skin and blood tests may be conducted in order to detect allergen-specific immunoglobulin E. These results will afford them a better understanding how the individual's issues would best be alleviated or controlled.

The doctor might choose to prescribe nasal sprays, antihistamines, decongestants or bronchodialators to combat allergens. Severe situations might require immunotherapy shots which are more effective at suppressing symptoms. Other ways to avoid exposure to irritants include regular vacuuming, increased pet grooming, limit outdoor exposure, keeping animals off furniture and out of the bedroom, or simply avoiding dogs or cats.




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