Tuesday, 14 October 2014

Manage Pet Allergy Symptoms

If you count yourself among this group, check out these five methods for finding some relief.


You're no stranger to a stuffy nose, itchy eyes, rashes and welts. You're one of more than 60 million Americans the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America estimates are affected by allergies in general, but your symptoms always seem to show up when one of man's furry friends -- a pet -- comes around. This may not be the most convenient of allergies you could have, especially if you're an animal lover, but at least you know you're in good company: Up to a third of all allergies are animal-related, and, according to the Humane Society of the United States, there are approximately 77.5 million dogs and 93.6 million cats owned as pets. This means there are many people out there experiencing at least a few of these symptoms when they're in the presence of a furry friend:

Stuffy or runny nose

Red, itchy eyes

Coughing

Excessive sneezing

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing



KEEP YOUR DISTANCE

1. KEEP YOUR DISTANCE


The first line of defense for dealing with a pet allergy is trying to limit your contact with animals whenever possible. This includes resisting any urge to become a pet parent yourself, but if you just can't stand the idea of not having a pet in your home, consider adopting an animal that doesn't have fur or feathers, such as a fish, snake or turtle. Also, if you're planning to drop in on friends who have pets in their household, remember to plan accordingly, and try taking antihistamines ahead of time. While you might be able to tolerate being around pets for a shorter event, such as a dinner party, a longer-term situation like an overnight stay could be a recipe for disaster. Springing for a hotel might make a dent in your wallet, but your immune system will thank you.