Animal Allergies and how to avoid

Welcome back readers. Today I will be discussing animal allergies and how to avoid.

Household pets are the most common source of allergic reactions to animals. Many people think that pet allergy is provoked by the fur of cats and dogs. But researchers have found that the major allergens are proteins secreted by oil glands in the animals' skin and shed in dander as well as proteins in the saliva, which sticks to the fur when the animal licks itself. Urine is also a source of allergy-causing proteins. When the substance carrying the proteins dries, the proteins can then float into the air. Cats may be more likely than dogs to cause allergic reactions because they lick themselves more and may be held more and spend more time in the house, close to humans.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 15–30% of people with allergies have an allergy to dogs, cats, or other animals. Cats are the most common cause for pet allergies and approximately 10 million people in the United States are allergic to cats.
According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), approximately 3 million children in the United States have asthma that is triggered by allergens (e.g., animal saliva, dander, dust mites, pollen).
Allergies to animals can take two years or more to develop and may not subside until six months or more after ending contact with the animal. Carpet and furniture are a reservoir for pet allergens, and the allergens can remain in them for four to six weeks. In addition, these allergens can stay in household air for months after the animal has been removed. Therefore, it is wise for people with an animal allergy to check with the landlord or previous owner to find out if furry pets had lived previously on the premises.
The best method of controlling animal allergies is avoidance. If a family member has a severe reaction to a family pet, the best solution is to find the pet another home. Long-term exposure to animal dander causing frequent allergy flare-ups can hinder a child's success in school and can lead to permanent lung damage.
Animal allergy treatment:
• Avoidance of Animal Allergens-Cat Dander, Dog Dander and Animal Saliva
• Symptomatic Medications-Drug Therapy.
• Immunotherapy-Animal Allergy Desensitizing Injection.

No Matter who we are in times that we are in and the stresses in our lives we are all susceptible to possible allergens. Be aware and do not let your symptoms go without medical attention. Severe allergies can completely immobilize your life.

Recipe of the day: Food Network allergy free for non profit

Italian Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Ingredients
2 (15.5-oz.) cans Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
2 (10-oz.) cans chunk chicken in water, drained
1/2 cup black olives, sliced
1/8 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup olive oil
2 T. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. coarse black pepper
1 T. Italian seasoning
pita bread
fresh spinach
Directions
In large bowl, toss beans, chicken, olives, and onion. Cover and refrigerate until chilled. In small plastic bowl with lid, combine oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Shake until combined. Stir into salad. Cut pita bread in half. Fill with spinach and salad.

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See you next time on Life around the Allergies.