Cat allergy in humans is an allergic reaction to one or more allergens produced by cats. The most common of these allergens are Fel d 1 glycoproteins, secreted by cat's sebaceous glands and Fel d 4, expressed in saliva. Allergic reactions are histamine reactions typically characterized by coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, itching, nasal congestion, rash, watery eyes, sneezing, chapped lips, and similar symptoms. In severe cases, the reaction may develop rapidly to cause the victim's airways to become inflamed and closed, requiring emergency medical attention. Those who have severe and life-threatening cat allergies face tremendous challenges due to a lack of public awareness of anaphylactic cat allergies, and do not enjoy the same awareness of the community as those who have food allergies may, due to their extensive knowledge of allergens such as peanuts or milk.
Video Allergy to cats
Cat allergy
Five cat allergens have been described in the medical literature. The two main allergens are Fel d 1 (a secretoglobin) and Fel d 4 (lipocalin). Minor allergens include Fel d 2 (albumin), Fel d 3 (cystatin), and cat IgA.
Fel d 4 is the product of the cat's main urinary protein genes. It is mainly expressed in the submandibular salivary glands and deposited into dandruff as the bride's own candidate. One study found that 63% of allergic cats had antibodies to Fel d 4.
Maps Allergy to cats
Symptoms
The symptoms of an allergic reaction to cats range from mild to severe, and include swollen, red, itchy, watery eyes; nasal congestion, itchy nose, sneezing, chronic sore throat or throat itching, coughing, wheezing, asthma, fever, itching or rash on the face or chest, or itchy skin. If a cat scratches, licks, or bites someone who is allergic to cats, redness and sometimes even swelling of the affected area will occur. For those who are very allergic, the reaction may resemble someone with severe food allergies, and such reactions require emergency medical care.
Overcoming allergies
Lower exposures
Allergens that live in the air for months or even years by themselves, eliminating anything that can trap and retain allergens (carpets, rugs, pillows) and regular and thorough cleaning with HEPA filters and electrostatic air purifiers reduce risk. Frequent hand washing, especially after handling a cat, and washing hands before touching eyes, nose, or mouth, and restricting the access of a cat to a particular room, such as a bedroom or other room where much time is spent, may also reduce allergic reactions.
Drugs
Cat allergies can often be controlled with over-the-counter or prescription drugs. Antihistamines and decongestants can provide allergy relief.
Allergic flow
Some allergy sufferers find relief in allergen immunotherapy, periodic injectable therapy designed to stimulate the body's natural immune response to cat allergens.
Synthetic epitope vaccine
Synthetic epitope vaccine is a vaccine that is being developed to provide long-term vaccine for allergies.
Cat Bath
Regularly bathing cats can eliminate a large number of allergens from feathers. Furthermore, brushing cats regularly reduces the amount of loose hair (and saliva attached) in the air. Feeding cats with high-quality diets with lots of omega-3 fatty acids will help keep skin healthy and minimize feathers.
Cat hypoallergenic
Cats hypoallergenic are cats that tend not to provoke an allergic reaction in humans. Although the topic is controversial, the owner's experience and recent clinical studies show that Siberian cats, Devon Rex and Cornish Rex cats, Abyssinian cats, Balinese cats, and some other breeds, especially females, are likely to have low Fel Fel 1 levels, allergen proteins main.
Of the above mentioned cats, the most popular breed of cat known for its hypoallergenic qualities are the Siberians and Balinese. These cats produce fewer protein allergens than regular domestic cats or other cat races. Cats that have some Balinese ancestors may produce protein allergens with lower amounts. Cat races that often have a Balinese lineage include Oriental shorthair, Oriental longhair, and some Siamese cats.
The general theory between these two moderate to long races of moderate hypoallergenic kittens is that their long-haired gene is associated with producing a reduced amount of allergen. This could be a case like a Balinese cat, medium to long-haired cat (also called a long-haired Siamese cat) is considered a hypoallergenic, while a Siamese cat, a short-haired breed, does not. Some Siamese cats may have hypoallergenic qualities if they have a Balinese ancestor. This may provide some evidence that the gene or long-haired nature of this cat species has resulted in a cat that genetically produces fewer cat allergens.
In 2006, the company Allerca announced the breeding of the hypoallergenic cat line. However, no research has been done to confirm their claims and many scientists and consumers are skeptical of the company's statement. The Company has announced that on January 1, 2010 they will terminate their breeding activities.
Another company, Felix Pets, also claims to be developing a type of hypoallergenic cat.
Cat sex and color
Female cats produce lower allergen levels than males, and the castrated males produce a lower allergen rate than males that are neutered. In 2000, researchers at Long Island College Hospital found that owners of cats with dark-colored cats were more likely to report allergy symptoms than those who had bright-colored cats. Subsequent studies by the Wellington Asma Research Group found that the color of the fur had no effect on how many allergens the cat produced.
See also
- List of allergies
References
External links
- Hecht, J. (June 9, 2009). "Cats free of allergens - breed apart?". Daily News . New Scientist. Ã,
- [1] - List and information of Hypoallergenic cat breeds
- Cat Choo - News about immunization
- Overcoming Allergies - Pet Allergy Information
Source of the article : Wikipedia