Pet Information > Cats > Cats Health > Allergies To Cats in Babies – What Can I Do To Prevent?

Allergies To Cats in Babies – What Can I Do To Prevent?

2016/5/3 11:28:02
 

Allergies to CatsCause of Allergies

Severe allergies, such as allergies to cats, are a kind of bodily malfunction. When something enters our body that shouldn’t be there it may trigger a sneeze or cough to expel it. If it’s on your skin you may get an itch, your body’s way of getting the allergen off the skin. These are normal and can be felt by almost anyone, just go rub yourself down with poison ivy. No, don’t really. Allergic reactions can get out of control, and be triggered by substances we’ve become immune to. This is the reaction we call “allergies.” Cat dander is one of these, and cat dander allergy is common among children. Usually, allergies are passed on through genetics; the only way to prevent them is for people who don’t have allergies to have children with someone that doesn’t have allergies. Otherwise you are stuck simply preventing exposure to the allergens your child is sensitive to.

What is the Allergen in Cats?

Cats and dogs are common allergy symptom causes, cats more so. Cat dander is the cause of allergies to cats. Dander is the fluffy under coat between the hair and the skin. Most hairy mammals, and birds, will have this dander and can cause the same reaction. Normally, a child with allergies to cats will also have allergies to dogs and other furry pets. Other allergens can be the parasites living on your pets. Cat ear mites normally cause a light rash, if any, in people without allergies, though, children with allergies can have very serious rash breakouts. Dust mite allergy symptoms will have similar results with added runny nose, sneeze, and red eyes. Dust mites are a parasite that feed on dead skin cells. Ever wonder why your pillow gets heavier after a couple years? Dead dust mites, but don’t throw your animals out, chances are they got the dust mites from you.

Treatments

The most important step in cat allergy treatment should be prevention. If you have a pet and bring a child into the home you’ll need to clean, clean, clean. Use of highly efficient air filters can help too. Also, make your child’s sleeping area a no pet zone. The most important thing is to keep the allergens out of your child’s nose. If the symptoms of allergies to cats continue, you will need to begin treatments with antihistamine drugs available from your pediatrician.