Animal Dander
Table of Contents
Overview of Animal Dander Allergy Induced Asthma
If animal dander gets into your lungs, then you may experience symptoms of asthma including: coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness. Not only will you experience asthma symptoms, but also allergy symptoms such as: a runny nose or itchy eyes.
Causes of Animal Dander Allergy Induced Asthma
All animals produce dander and it is not only in the hair of animals. Dander can be in skin flakes, saliva, urine, feces, and hair as well. When these particles come into contact with your nose or mouth, then you will experience allergy and/or asthma symptoms.
Treatment of Animal Dander Allergy Induced Asthma
The best treatment is to avoid the animal. Most of the time, rehoming or having a pet live outside is impossible, so there are a few steps you can take to decrease pet dander in the home. A third of our life is spent inside of the bedroom, so if you do not allow the animal in the bedroom then your exposure to the allergen will decrease significantly. In the home, HEPA air filters and removing carpet are recommended. Washing the animal regularly will also decrease dander. Your physician may recommend allergy shots if these do not help.
If you do not yet have a pet and want to have one, then consider animals such as turtles, snakes, fish, or hermit crabs; as any pet with feathers or fur can produce dander. You may also want to spend time with a pet before getting it. If someone you know has an animal such as a hamster, interact with the animal and watch for any reactions to occur.