When a person with a fur allergy is exposed to these proteins, it can cause a reaction that includes sneezing, nasal congestion, coughing, itchy eyes, skin rashes and, in severe cases, difficulty breathing.
Symptoms of fur allergy
The symptoms of fur allergy can range from mild to severe and affect the quality of life of people suffering from this type of allergy. It is important to note that allergy symptoms can appear immediately after exposure to fur animals or several hours later, which can make it difficult to identify the source of the allergy.
The most common symptoms of fur allergy are:
- sneezing
- nasal congestion
- runny or itchy nose
- itching in the eyes
- tear flow
- cough
- shortness of breath or wheezing
- itching or rash on the skin
The symptoms can vary in severity and can appear immediately or after a certain time after contact with the fur animals.
It is important to note that the symptoms of fur allergy can be very similar to the symptoms of other allergies, such as pollen allergy or dust mite allergy.
What can I do myself?
There are several ways to deal with allergies to fur animals. One way, which may also be the only way, is to completely avoid contact with fur animals, which can be difficult for those who love them. In the case of a fur allergy, it is easier for you to develop asthma if you live with and stay indoors all year round with a pet, unlike a person who is allergic to pollen where the main contact is outdoors.
Other measures can be using air purifiers, regular cleaning of the home and use of hypoallergenic products. There are also medications such as antihistamines and inhalers that can help relieve symptoms in the short term.
How can I test myself to see if I am allergic?
A blood test can also be used to test for fur allergy. The blood test measures the levels of IgE antibodies in the blood against specific allergens. If the levels of IgE antibodies are high, it may indicate an allergic reaction.
It is important to note that it is possible for a person to have antibodies against an allergen without showing any symptoms of allergy. This can happen if the body has formed antibodies against the allergen in the past, but then no longer reacts to that allergen in the same way. It is also possible that a person may be allergic to a substance without having measurable levels of antibodies in the blood. Allergy diagnosis is usually based on a combination of symptoms, medical history and allergy testing.
