Explorer Les différentes Plantes

Reactions to a cat allergy may have mild symptoms, such as sneezing and coughing, or more severe symptoms such as an asthma attack. The allergy is caused by an exaggerated immune response to cat hair, which the body thinks is dangerous [1]. It then produces a substance called histamine which causes the allergic reaction. While allergic reactions can be reduced with medication, it doesn’t always work for everyone. However, there are many ways to reduce the allergic response.

Consult your doctor. When you have a cat allergy, discuss the severity of your symptoms with your doctor. If it is serious, he may recommend that you find a new home for your companion. If the symptoms are mild, your doctor may recommend that you make lifestyle changes or take medication.

The type of medicine and its dosage will depend on your particular case, so you should always follow your doctor’s advice and the dosage of the medicine you are taking.
caused drowsiness, which is why you should try to avoid them. There are other side effects to these drugs such as dizziness, dry mouth, headache and gastrointestinal problems. You may have to try several to find the right one for you. Some of the best known brands include Benadryl, Cetirizine, Clarityne and Humex [2].
You can usually take antihistamines for the long term. However, they can cause side effects and liver problems, especially in people at higher risk [3].
Use decongestants.
You can use them to treat congestion symptoms caused by allergy. This includes congestion of the nose and throat. They might also be helpful for other common allergy symptoms, which is why you should try them if you have other symptoms caused by cat allergy. Decongestants are sometimes combined with an antihistamine. Check with your pharmacist to find out what he recommends [4].
Learn about steroids.
They help contain the immune system, which reduces inflammation. These drugs are most effective if you take them regularly instead of taking them only when you need them and they are only available with a prescription. They may take longer to work, so you should give them at least two weeks before you know if this is a good solution for you. [5] Allergy steroids are usually sold as a nasal spray. .
While long-term steroids are not recommended, nasal steroids do not have the same long-term side effects. Because of this, long-term nasal steroid use is generally not recommended as long as you use small doses and only use them during allergy season [6]
Discuss injections.
If the symptoms are difficult to control, you may be given a series of allergy shots called immunotherapy which will reduce your allergic reactions to cats. These injections get a small amount of the allergen into your body. Every week or every two weeks you get a new injection with a larger dose of the allergen. This should generally last for three to six months. This treatment helps your body get used to the allergen. It can take years for these injections to work properly. More follow-up injections are needed every four weeks for five years.
You might consider this option if you really want a cat or really love them and can’t find another way to deal with the allergy.
This treatment does not always work. It is generally not recommended for patients who are too old, who are under five years of age, or who have a problem with the immune system [7].
Be aware that injections can be very expensive and may not be reimbursed by your insurance.