Article Title: Pets And Your Health
Author: Krishan
Allergies to pets can happen at any time without any apparent
reason. Dogs and cats are the most likely offenders by virtue of
their being in and around the home. However, any animal is
potentially allergenic to persons handling it or coming into
contact with its usual haunts.
The problem is caused not by the hair of the animal but by
powder-fine flakes of skin, known as dander, which are present
in the coat of the animal and deposited on carpets, chairs and
other places where it may have lain. Individuals may find
themselves sensitive to several different species of animals or
conversely to a specific breed within the same species. For
example, while one person may be allergic to all cats and
possibly dogs, another person may be affected only by a specific
breed of cat. Children, in particular, are prone to pet
allergies due to their tendency to cuddle and play with their
pets and, especially, to hold them close to their faces.
The usual symptoms are associated with the respiratory system
in the form of hay fever, running nose, etc. but can also occur
as a rash at the various points of contact. By far the most
alarming symptom can be an asthma attack which may vary in
strength from mild to severe. An ongoing, sporadic asthma
condition is likely until the cause is identified and removed.
In the case of a pet this would mean banishment from the house
and may even necessitate finding it a new home. Some relief of
symptoms may be gained if the pet is groomed regularly by
another person and away from the house. This would have the
effect of minimizing the number of loose danders which cause the
allergy.
Another symptom commonly associated with pet allergies is a
rash called papular urticaria. In this case, the allergy is not
caused by the dander but by the fleas which inhabit the animal.
The rash, if scratched, will form bumps and cause the skin to
harden and darken. An effective treatment is the application of
calamine lotion and avoidance of contact with the animal
concerned. Regular applications of flea powder to the pet can
minimize the problem.
An uncommon but very nasty condition can result from contact
with birds and is called 'bird fanciers lung'. This is caused by
a fungus which grows on bird droppings. Spores from the fungus
are inhaled, causing the lining of the lung to become inflamed.
Untreated, this condition can cause serious and permanent
damage. People who work with birds are usually aware of this
danger and take steps to avoid its occurrence.
Allergies to Insects
Allergies to insects can be caused by bites, stings, cast off
hairs or scales. By far the most serious are those caused by bee
and wasp stings. In the United States they cause more deaths
than bites from venomous animals. Most people do not suffer more
than minor symptoms but, for the unfortunate few, serious
illness and even death can result.
Recent investigations into bee stings have produced some
interesting findings. The bee, if brushed away, will leave
behind both its sting and a venom sac which continues to pump
venom through the barb into the victim. However, if the bee is
left to withdraw the sting itself, the injection of venom is
much less, resulting in minimal discomfort. Wasps have a
different kind of sting mechanism resulting in the victim
receiving a full dose every time.
Some people may develop a partial immunity to bee and wasp
stings which can increase the more they are stung. Others may
become more and more sensitive until they reach a point where
they develop a large-scale reaction to stings and can die. We
are not, however, talking about the unfortunate person who is
stung many times by a swarm of such insects. That situation
would cause serious consequences, irrespective of sensitivity.
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