Posted on November 5, 2007 in Latest News
When cat allergy is suspected and detected, the doctor conducts a medical history of the concerned patient and performs diagnostic tests like scratch and blood tests. If required, the patient or the animal is temporarily removed from the environment and the area is completed cleansed off all the dirt and dust to improve the conditions of allergy.
Scratch Tests: As per this test, the suspected allergen is applied on the skin. Thereafter, the area is scratched to allow the substances to penetrate the skin. Allergic reactions like itching, redness or swelling occurs in twenty minutes from its application. This test is done on the upper arm, upper back or forearm and many allergens can be tested for at the same time.
Blood Tests: As per this, a radioallergosorbent test is conducted. This test is used to detect an allergic reaction. According to this test, the suspected allergen is mixed with the blood sample and measured for Immunoglobulin E levels. The immune system produces this antibody to detect an allergic reaction.
Treatment for cat allergies:
If the above recommendations do not work then it is advisable to keep the cat outdoors or remove the pet completely away from your surroundings.
Treatment for cat allergies includes medications, such as, antihistamines and decongestants. These medications may have some side effects initially, like drowsiness, irritability, nervousness and sleepless nights. However, seeking a physician’s recommendation and advice, prior to taking any medicine is very important.
When medications prove ineffective, then vaccines or allergy shots can also be taken. This is also known as immunotherapy. As per this therapy, regular injections of small doses of the allergen are to be given once or twice weekly to reduce sensitivity. This is an effective treatment but it takes long to show its improving effects.
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