Do you have cats and dogs at your household? Do you feel congested after you pet your pet? Is your asthma triggered whenever you come near to any furry or feathered animal? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, chances are, you probably have dander allergy.

Dander allergy belongs to the perennial class of allergic rhinitis, which means you can have it all year-round. Dander is the dead skin flake of any furry animal—cats, dogs, rodents, rabbits and so on. Whether or not you have an animal at home, any sensitive person may experience animal dander allergy. These loose skin scales are so lightweight they can remain airborne for a while. Some of them may even stick to our garments and furniture that even without encountering the pet the susceptible person might go sneezing like crazy.

Mechanism of the allergic reaction

Allergens are antigens capable of starting an allergic reaction in the body. As soon as they gain access into the body, B cells produces antibodies which attaches itself to the mast cell. When allergens are reintroduced, it binds to the specific antibodies (already attached to mast cells) and triggers the mast cell to degranulate and release chemical mediators like histamine, bradykinin, and leukotriene.

A lot of people might have mistaken that animal fur or hair is the reason for the allergic reaction. In fact, animals carry plenty of allergens. Certain proteins in dander, saliva, oils, and urine are found to be allergenic. Whenever they groom, saliva might stick the animal’s fur, thus whenever an allergic (or asthmatic) person touches or inhales them, a hypersensitivity reaction occurs. Dander allergy is similar to allergic rhinitis where sneezing, cough, runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, and postnasal drip occur. In addition, rashes will also appear on the on the skin—localized or generalized.

What your doctor can do for you

Like allergic rhinitis, diagnosis is based on medical history and symptom assessment. Skin tests and blood tests will further conclude the diagnosis. Allergy-related symptoms are managed with the use of antihistamines, bronchodilators, and corticosteroids, just like allergic rhinitis or asthma. Allergy desensitization will improve the person’s sensitivity however there is no guarantee that the condition will be completely treated.

What you can do

To prevent allergic reactions, the allergy/asthma sufferer should involve himself to these steps to reduce exposure to animal allergens:

• Avoid the animal.

The best approach is to not have an animal with you that can trigger allergies. If giving up a pet is impossible, keep them outdoors or keep them away from where you usually dwell like in the bedroom. Also, keep them off furniture, couches, and carpet where dander may accumulate, and saliva too. If it’s impossible not to make contact with your pet, use a mask while grooming and wash your hands right away.

• Wash your pet

Bathing the animal in war, water significantly decreases the amount of allergen sticking on the fur. Dander is water soluble, and easy to remove. Bath your animal weekly with warm water and shampoo that can help reduce the dander.

• Remove airborne dander

Remove airborne dander by using air filters in the room to trap tiny particles.

• Damp dusting

When cleaning furniture, avoid the use of feather dusters (which may contain down) that may spread the dander further into the air, instead contain the dust with a damp cloth.