Pet Allergies
Dana V. Wallace, MD
Dr. Dana Wallace told us that people with allergies are reluctant to give up their pets. Allergists have medications and allergy immunotherapy (allergy shots) that can alleviate symptoms, plus there are life-style changes that can help. Neighbors who have allergies can also benefit from these changes. The allergic person should avoid direct contact with the pet and wear a facial mask if they are the ones to dispose of pet waste. Hard surface flooring, rather than carpet, can reduce the accumulation of allergens. Wearing freshly laundered clothing that has not had contact with the animal can also limit the transfer of dander. (It is the dander from the skin of the animals, rather than the fur that is the allergen.) It helps to wash clothes in hot water, too. Dander is NOT spread by sharing a washing machine with someone who has pets.
The dander particles are very small, so fine filters, such as hepa filters, are needed to trap the particles. Hepa vacuums are recommended, but don’t expect them to work magic in a home where animals reside, as they can only remove a very small percent of the allergen present in the home.
Dr. Wallace said that hiding in a no-pets condo will not make people who are allergic safe. Well over 60% of the population have pets, and if they venture out to any public area, e.g. stores, doctors offices, movies, restaurants, they will be exposed to pet dander. She also said that people who are allergic to pets are usually allergic to other allergens such as dust and mold, so merely removing pets will not necessarily cure their symptoms.
To find out more about pet allergies and allergies in general visit the “Patient and Public” section of the ACAAI website at: www.acaai.org.
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Dr. Wallace is the President of ACAAI, the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. The ACAAI is one of the two main professional groups for allergists and focuses on research in the field as well as clinical areas. Dr . Wallace has a practice in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
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You may also be interested in the many articles about living with cats if you have allergies at cats.about.com.
