Those who spend time outdoors may be more prone to flea and pollen allergies. When a flea bites a cat to consume a blood meal, some of its saliva is injected into the skin. These chemicals are very irritating and cause itching, swelling, and fluid leaking from cells. Any substance can cause an allergy if exposed to an allergic person in the right way. Others may have symptoms for life. Some people are allergic to tree pollen, which is in the air in spring. In an allergic cat, just one bite can result in intense itching that can last for days. Small amounts of allergy-provoking substances (allergens) are scratched into the skin. Since the ideal way to manage an allergy is to avoid the substances that cause allergic reaction, it is important to first identify these substances (allergens). The first-generation antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), brompheniramine (Dimetapp and others), clemastine fumarate (Tavist, Allerhist), and dexbrompheniramine (Drixoral) frequently cause mouth dryness and sleepiness as side effects. The incidence of allergic disease has dramatically increased in the U.S. and other developed countries over recent decades. Scientific review of the use of these preparations has been limited, although there are some reports that suggest potential benefit for a number of different herbal remedies, at least in certain patients. Eye itching, redness, and excess tears in the eyes frequently accompany the nasal symptoms. A wide variety of foods can cause allergic reactions, but 90% of allergic responses to foods are caused by cow's milk, soy, eggs, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish. A positive allergy skin test implies that the person has an IgE antibody response to that substance. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts, Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter, How to Exercise Outside When You Have Allergies. Blame Climate Change, Not Just Kids: Peanut Allergy Affects Many Adults, Allergic Reaction Rare With Pfizer COVID Vaccine, Allergists' Offers Guidelines on COVID-19 Vaccines. Decongestant nasal sprays often cause a so-called "rebound effect" if taken for too long. Even though everyone has some IgE, an allergic person has an unusually large amount of IgE. July 24, 2014. Treatment for itching varies depending on the cause of the itch. and heart disease.Natural and home remedies to help cure and soothe a cough include stay hydrated,
Because the identification of allergens is important and often difficult to pinpoint, skin testing is often needed to identify exactly the specific substance causing the allergy. People with hay fever also often seek care from a primary care physician, including internists, pediatricians, and family practitioners. Symptoms are similar to other allergies, including sneezing, a rash, and itching skin. Trees primarily pollinate in the spring, while grasses pollinate in the spring and summer. Dust Allergy Symptoms Dust allergy symptoms are similar to those of pollen allergies : Rhinosinusitis is the medical term that refers to inflammation of the nasal lining as well as the lining tissues of the sinuses. Of allergy sufferers in the United States, many are allergic to ragweed, about half are allergic to grasses, and fewer are allergic to trees. itchy ears, eyes, and throat. Perennial allergic rhinitis is a type of chronic rhinitis and is a year-round problem, often caused by indoor allergens, such as dust, animal dander, and pollens that may exist at the time. Allergy desensitization or immunotherapy may be needed. This pollen is spread by the wind and is inhaled. ", CDC's National Center for Health Statistics: "Allergies and hay fever. Newer, so-called "non-sedating" or second-generation antihistamines are also available. There are many causes of itching to include: infection (jock itch, vaginal itch), disease (hyperthyroidism, liver or kidney), reactions to drugs, and skin infestations (pubic or body lice). Symptoms of allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, frequently include. The skin testing described is tolerated by the youngest of patients and should be the standard of testing. Allergists are medical specialists trained in the diagnosis and treatment of. These blood tests may be useful in people who cannot be skin tested due to skin diseases, who are taking medications that interfere with skin testing, or who are at a high risk of having an anaphylactic reaction to skin testing. "FDA approves Flonase Allergy relief for sale over-the-counter in the United States." The definition of a genetic disease is a disorder or condition caused by
medications like beta blockers and ACE inhibitors, the common cold, GERD, lung cancer,
These chemicals frequently cause allergic reactions. People of all races are affected, and the condition affects both males and females equally. One of the most common medical conditions affecting cats is allergy. Although rare, serious allergy reactions can occur while receiving allergy injections. Some types of genetic inheritance include
This form of treatment is very effective for allergies to pollen, mites, cats, and especially stinging insects (for example, bees). It will not prevent allergic reactions. Allergy testing is only done when allergies are debilitating enough that patients desire allergy immunotherapy. Find a local Asthma & Allergy Specialist in your town, Get more tips on managing hay fever symptoms, Are Your Allergies Worse? A patient's history of reactions is important in determining his/her unique allergies. Because allergic rhinitis is related to genetic susceptibility, prevention of the condition is not possible. However, it may be possible for some people to prevent attacks by avoiding exposure to the triggering allergic substance. Allergens can also irritate the lining of cats’ airways, which causes bronchitis and mucus production. Allergies are an overreaction of the immune system where the body's defenses react to substances such as pollen, food and more. These kinds of products are not evaluated for safety, like over-the-counter and prescription medications. (OTC)to cure and soothe a cough include cough suppressants and expectorants, and anti-reflux drugs. You wish you could enjoy the nice weather, but you end up miserable whenever you head outside. Allergic rhinitis, like other allergic reactions, is not contagious. If you have allergic rhinitis, your immune system – your natural defence against infection and illness – will react to an allergen as if it were harmful. These nasal sprays do not cause the rebound effect noticed with decongestant nasal sprays. Could I Be Allergic? Decongestants shrink the swollen membranes in the nose and make it easier to breathe. Medication can help, and you can take simple steps to keep the dust mites away. Many patients respond to medications that combat the effects of histamine, known as antihistamines. How do health care professionals diagnose allergic rhinitis? What is the prognosis of allergic rhinitis? Allergy involves an exaggerated response of the immune system, often to common substances such as foods, furry animal dander, or pollen. I also agree to receive emails from MedicineNet and I understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet subscriptions at any time. sneezing,
Antihistamines do not stop the formation of histamine, nor do they stop the conflict between the IgE and antigen. Skin testing is not indicated for people who are at risk of a severe (anaphylactic) allergic reaction, who have certain. Coughing is a reflex that helps a person clear their airways of irritants. Commonly, allergic rhinitis is a result of an allergic person coming in contact several times with protein from plants. Some people with allergies need specialized prescription medications such as corticosteroids, cromolyn, and ipratropium (Atrovent) nasal sprays. This is known as the prick-puncture method and is typically used for initial evaluations. Since allergic rhinitis is frequently caused by pollen, symptoms occur when pollen is in the air. Your immune system will make a lot of something called histamine to fight back. Allergies to weeds, grass, trees, or mold often cause seasonal allergic rhinitis. Cat allergies can cause an acute asthma attack and can be a trigger for chronic asthma. runny nose,
Decongestants can be taken orally or by nasal spray. What specialists treat allergic rhinitis? And, again, many people don't even realize they're suffering from this. All cats can be at risk for developing allergies. This condition is the most common of all pediatric dermatoses. MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Frequent office visits are necessary. In such rare cases, cats can be allergic to the dead skin and other particles that we shed throughout the day. Wear a filter mask when mowing or working outdoors. Food is an uncommon cause of allergic rhinitis. However, the symptoms of allergic rhinitis can be confused with those of a common cold, which can be spread from person to person. abnormalities in a person's genome. Still others have trouble with weed pollen, which is common in the fall. Terms of Use. Hay is not a usual cause of this problem, and it does not cause fever. By clicking "Submit," I agree to the MedicineNet Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Redness and swelling develop if one is allergic to the substance. Many people with allergies have difficulty with social and physical activities. What are the causes of allergies? Many of these medications are available over the counter. hemochromatosis. Chronic rhinitis and post-nasal drip symptoms include an itchy,
In general, this group of antihistamines is slightly more expensive, has a slower onset of action, is longer acting, and induces less sleepiness. No one enjoys a flea infestation, but allergic cats experience extreme discomfort, incessantly biting and scratching their skin. A rebound effect is the worsening of symptoms when a drug is discontinued. Allergic rhinitis is the correct term used to describe this allergic reaction, and many different substances cause the allergic symptoms noted in hay fever. Having frequent exposure to the particular allergic substance is a risk factor for frequent attacks. Treatment varies depending upon the type of eczema the person has. Learn about common allergy triggers and how you can avoid an allergy attack. Because the patient is being exposed to the allergy-inducing substance, an allergic reaction can occur and this treatment should be supervised by a physician. See pictures of the top 10 "spring allergy capitals", according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). Cats make great pets, but if you're allergic to cats, keeping one is a bit more complicated. Always discuss the potential side effects of any medication with a physician and/or pharmacist. These include the following: Many herbal formulations contain a number of different ingredients, each with potentially varying effects and properties. Decongestants help control allergy symptoms but not their causes. Allergists are medical specialists trained in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies, including hay fever. Cortisone can also decrease the formation of many chemicals involved in the allergic response. Attempts to control the environment and avoidance measures often significantly aid in resolving symptoms. See additional information. Terms of Use. Even after years of receiving allergy shots, a patient can experience a reaction. Oversensitive immune system. Specialized cells called mast cells also participate in the allergic reaction. ©1996-2021 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. Could High Pollen Levels Trigger Pelvic Pain? You probably have seasonal allergies, which are sometimes called hay fever. Some plants, including ragweed, grasses, and oak trees, make a fine powder called pollen thatâs light enough to travel through the air. Many cortisone nasal sprays are on the market through prescription only. Cromolyn is also an anti-inflammatory medication available over the counter. Allergic rhinitis is not associated with severe complications and can be managed effectively with medications and, in some cases, desensitization therapy. This term is sometimes used because the two conditions frequently occur together. Some allergens considered to be asthma triggers in cats include: Pet allergies are very common: in fact, a third of Americans are allergic to cats and dogs. Many flea-allergic cats chew or lick the hair off their legs. GlaxoSmithKline. Decongestant nasal sprays should not be used for more than five days without a doctor's advice, and if so, usually only when accompanied by a nasal steroid. If the skin reddens and, more importantly, swells, then an individual is said to be "sensitized" to the particular allergen. Intradermal testing is more sensitive but also tends to lead to more false-positive results. Cats who develop allergies have usually been exposed to substances- either airborne, in food, applied to their skin or transmitted by fleas-that they cannot tolerate. This is a rapid immunochemical test that involves an enzyme (a protein that catalyzes a biochemical reaction). ", National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: "Pollen allergy. Mast cells release a variety of chemicals into the tissues and blood, one of which is known as histamine. Grass pollen allergy Grass is the primary trigger of pollen allergies during the summer months. ", American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery: "Antihistamines, decongestants and cold remedies.". Although the exact way allergy desensitization works is not completely known, allergy injections appear to modify or stop the allergic reaction by reducing the strength of the IgE and its effect on the mast cells. ELISA stands for "enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay." People who wish to try one of these treatments should learn about potential side effects. Early descriptions of sneezing, nasal congestion, and eye irritation while harvesting field hay promoted this popular term. Many trees, grasses, and weeds produce extremely small, light, dry protein particles called pollen. It also involves an antibody or antigen (immunologic molecules). If typical symptoms occur when a sensitized individual is exposed to the suspected substance, then allergy to that substance is probable. Allergic rhinitis is caused by an allergic reaction to an allergen, such as pollen, dust and certain animals. ; The immune system is a complex system that normally defends the body against foreign invaders, such as bacteria and viruses, while also surveying for abnormal changes in an individual's own cells. single inheritance, including cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, Marfan syndrome, and
The medical cost of allergic rhinitis is approximately $3.4 billion, mostly due to the cost of prescription medications. This is an atropine derivative and although usually very safe, a person sensitive to atropine should be cautious when taking this drug. Skin testing is done with minimal discomfort and is performed as follows: A number of blood tests are also available to aid in the diagnosis of allergy. Seasonal allergic rhinitis (also called hay fever) usually is caused by pollen in the air. Rhinitis means "inflammation of the nose" and is a derivative of rhino, meaning nose. ", American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology: "Pollen allergy. Treatment of chronic rhinitis and post nasal drip are dependent upon the type of rhinitis condition. Cromolyn must be used well in advance of anticipated allergy symptoms to be useful. Although cromolyn is not as potent as cortisone, it is very safe. Some people who experience allergic rhinitis as children will notice their symptoms improve as they get older. Up to 7.8% of American adults suffer from allergic rhinitis. A person is programmed to be allergic by his/her genetic makeup and is destined to be allergic from birth. These figures are probably an underestimate because many of those affected may attribute their discomfort to a chronic cold. Nose bleeding may occur if the condition is severe. More than 25 million Americans are allergic to pollen. Fluticasone (Flonase) is one medication available over the counter. Avoidance of identified allergens is the most helpful factor in controlling allergy symptoms. Treatments of sinus infections are generally with antibiotics and at times, home remedies. Both humans and cats can get seasonal allergies from pollen, dust, and other particles like grass seeds, but this is no surprise. You think it might be a cold, but thereâs a pattern. Discover Your Allergy Triggers. These blood tests typically use various techniques to look for IgE antibodies in the blood and by inference suggest allergy in the tissues. If you know it’s going to be a high-pollen day, stay inside as much as you can. A second method, known as the intradermal method, involves injection of a small amount of the test substance into the skin. See a picture of Atopic Dermatitis and learn more about the health topic. 17