Are you also bothered by pet dander? Let's talk about it!

Many of us, especially in Sri Lanka, love pets, don't we? A dog, a cat, maybe a rabbit, a squirrel, or a beautiful bird... Having such an animal at home brings us joy, freedom, and even eliminates loneliness. But did you know that sometimes these beloved friends can cause you minor health problems. Especially if you are sneezing frequently, have a runny nose , itchy eyes, have small blisters on your skin, or have difficulty breathing or chest tightness, the reason may be your pet. To be precise, it is because of a small thing that comes out of the pet's body that our eyes cannot see clearly. Today we are going to talk about this condition called Animal Dander . Don't worry, this is something that many people have, and there are things that can be done about it.

What exactly is animal dander?

Simply put, animal dander is the tiny bits of skin shed by warm-blooded animals, like the hair on our heads. But these are much smaller, almost invisible to our naked eye. These fine particles are also released into the environment by furry animals like dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters, as well as birds. In birds, they are mostly found in the form of feather dust.

Just think, these skin flakes are so small that they float in the wind and end up everywhere in our homes, including curtains, sofas, bed sheets, and carpets. Sometimes, some of the proteins in the animal's saliva and urine combine with these skin flakes to cause those allergies. So, even if you think you're allergic to animal fur, in fact, most of the time it's the dander and the proteins associated with it that are the cause.

Why do we get allergic to this dander?

Now, not everyone is allergic to this dander. But some people's immune systems work a little differently. That is, when the proteins in this dander, which are actually harmless, enter their bodies, the immune system thinks that a big enemy has arrived.

Just like soldiers fight when an enemy comes to a country, our body's immune system also fights back.

Antibodies start to 'fight' with proteins.

As a result of this 'fight', the body releases chemicals like histamine . Those chemicals are what cause the allergic symptoms we talked about earlier, like sneezing, stuffy nose, red eyes, itchy skin, and difficulty breathing. So, this is like a misunderstanding. The body thinks there's danger, but there's really no danger.

What are the symptoms of a dander allergy?

These symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people may have a few minor sneezes and stop, while others may experience more severe symptoms. Let's take a look at some of the common symptoms:

• Respiratory system related symptoms:
• Frequent sneezing.
• Runny nose or stuffy nose.
• Itchy throat, mucus in the throat.
• Cough.
• Wheezing (a whistling sound) when breathing.
• Difficulty breathing, a feeling of tightness in the chest - especially if you have asthma, which can be exacerbated by animal dander.

• Eye-related symptoms:
• Redness of the eyes.
• Itchy eyes.
• Tears flowing from the eyes.

• Skin-related symptoms:
• Red spots or blisters on the skin, as if bitten by a mosquito (hives or urticaria).
• Itchy skin.
• For people with conditions like eczema, they may worsen.

Sometimes these symptoms can appear immediately after contact with the animal, other times they can appear several hours later. Some people can experience these symptoms even when the animal is not around, or even when they are in a place where the animal has been.

How does dander spread throughout the house and how long can it stay there?

This is something to think about, because dander is very light, so it floats easily in the wind.

• This dander is released into the air as your pet moves around the house, plays, and scratches.
• They end up everywhere, on our clothes, curtains, sofas, mattresses, pillows, and even on carpets and rugs.
• If you visit a home where there is an animal, this dander can also be carried into your home on your clothes.
• The sad thing is, sometimes this dander can linger in the house for months after the animal has been removed. That's why it's important to clean thoroughly when moving to a new home if there's been a previous pet.

How do you know for sure if you have this allergy? (Diagnosis)

If you have the symptoms mentioned above, especially if you have a pet at home or frequent it, the best thing to do is to see a doctor for advice.

The doctor will ask you about your symptoms, whether anyone in your family has allergies like this, and your lifestyle. Then, they may do some tests to confirm whether it's really a dander allergy.

• Skin Prick Test: This involves placing a small amount of various allergens on the skin of your hand or back and pricking the skin with a small needle. If your body reacts to an allergen within 15-20 minutes, the area will become slightly red, swollen, and itchy. This can quickly tell you what you are allergic to.
• Blood Test: Sometimes your doctor will order a blood test to check for the presence of specific antibodies called IgE antibodies in your blood that are produced against specific allergens.

After these tests, the doctor can get a good idea of ​​whether you actually have a dander allergy and how severe it is affecting you.

What can you do to avoid and control dander allergies?

The best thing to do is to reduce your exposure to dander as much as possible. But how do you do that when you have a pet in the house? Don't worry, there are things you can do.

How important is it to keep your home clean?

This is the main thing . Taking care of the cleanliness of your home can make a big difference.

• Vacuum regularly: Especially carpets, sofas, and curtains. If possible, use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter . This filter can capture even the finest dander particles.
• Dust: Wipe away dust with a damp cloth. Wiping with a dry cloth will only spread the dust further.
• Mop the floor: If it is a tiled or cement floor, mop it frequently with a damp cloth.
• Wash your bed sheets and pillowcases frequently: It's best to wash them in hot water at least once a week.
• Keep your pet's toys and sleeping area clean: Wash them frequently as well.
• Ventilation: Keep doors and windows open to ensure good ventilation in the house. It is also a good idea to use an air purifier , especially one with a HEPA filter.

Do these things when living with a pet

• Keep your pet out of the bedroom: This will help reduce dander in the area where you spend the most time, sleeping.
• Bathe and brush your pet regularly: Bathing your pet twice a week and brushing it daily can help reduce dander. If possible, have someone who is not allergic do this, or do it outdoors. It's also a good idea to wear a mask.
• Wash your hands after handling the animal: Make it a habit to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Be sure to wash your hands before touching your eyes and nose.
• Prepare a separate bed or rug for your pet: Get him used to it. This way, the dander will be less likely to collect in one place and will be easier to clean.

Are there medical treatments?

Yes, there are medical treatments that can help control allergy symptoms. But these should be taken under the guidance of a doctor.

• Antihistamines: These are the most commonly used medications. They help reduce symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itching.
• Decongestants: These are used to relieve nasal congestion. However, it is not good to use them continuously.
• Nasal Corticosteroids: These are very effective in reducing swelling and inflammation in the nose and controlling allergy symptoms.
• Leukotriene Modifiers: These are a type of medication that helps control asthma and some allergy symptoms.
• Allergy Immunotherapy: This is a longer-term treatment. It is similar to allergy shots, in that the body is gradually exposed to the allergen. It can also be given as sublingual tablets. This can help reduce allergies completely. However, it is not suitable for everyone, and a doctor should decide.

Important: If you have asthma, take your prescribed medication as prescribed. Animal dander is a major cause of asthma exacerbation.

Do "hypoallergenic" animals really exist?

You've probably heard of "hypoallergenic dogs" and "hypoallergenic cats." That means they don't cause allergies, or at least they don't cause allergies. The truth is, it's hard to find a pet that is 100% hypoallergenic, meaning it doesn't cause allergies at all.

Some breeds (for example, poodles, some terriers) may produce less dander or shed less hair than others. But that doesn't mean they don't cause allergies. This varies depending on the nature of each individual's allergies.

Before you bring a pet home, if you have allergies, spend some time with the animal to see if you have any discomfort. Or, visit the home of someone who has that type of animal.

Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)

Having a pet at home is a great joy. However, if you are allergic to animal dander , you may experience some minor discomfort. But there is nothing to worry about.

• Understand what dander is and how it causes allergies.
• If you have allergy symptoms, see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
• You can control the amount of dander by keeping your home clean and your pets clean.
• Use medication if necessary, as directed by a doctor.
• People with asthma should be especially careful about this.

If you do these things right, you can live happily with your beloved pet. The most important thing is to think about your health first and foremost!

` Animal dander, animal dander, allergies, pets, breathing difficulties, asthma, skin irritations, cleanliness, HEPA filters