Many suffer from pet allergies and cats are known to cause allergies than dogs. In case an infant is suffering from cat allergy, there is likelihood that genetics is responsible. If one or both parents are allergic to pets, the risk of the child developing the allergy is heightened. Once you suspect that an infant might be allergic to cats, it is best that you are familiar with the symptoms so that the appropriate steps can be taken. If you want to learn more about allergies, click here.
Cat allergy or common cold
Parents might wonder if an infant simply has cat allergy or suffering from common cold. The symptoms of cat allergy include coughing, frequent sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes and stuffed or runny nose. As for the common cold, it only lasts for three days up to a week, yet some symptoms can last for more weeks.
In case the symptoms of the infant starts to reduce after than time, he/she is most likely to have a cold. The allergy symptoms can last as long as the infant is exposed to a cat. Since cat dander can easily travel throughout the house, the infant can develop symptoms even if the cat is in a different room. Remember that cat dander can spread through the ventilation and heating systems and stay airborne for extended periods. Additionally, it also gathers in carpeting, curtains, stuffed animals, toys, clothing and furniture.
Aggravated airways
It is important to note that allergic asthma is considered as the most prevalent form of asthma. Once an infant inhales the allergens, the airways become swollen and produce thick mucus. The symptoms include chest tightness, breathing difficulty, cough and wheezing.
Asthma can worsen at night time and the infant might have difficulty in sleeping due to shortness of breath. In case of an asthma attack, it will be difficult for the individual to breathe while lying down. If the infant shows any asthmatic symptoms, he/she must be taken to a doctor right away.
Hypervigilant immune system
Remember that the proteins present in the urine, saliva, sweat and dead skin flakes are responsible for causing cat allergy. It is vital that the immune system among those who have cat allergy recognizes dander as a threat to the body. As a consequence, the immune system attempts to shield the body against this threat by producing antibodies. This causes the inflammation in the eyes, lungs, skin or the nasal passageways. Once an infant with cat allergy is exposed to the allergens, the immune system releases chemicals including histamine.
Physical contact with cats
Once an infant is directly exposed to a cat through his/her skin, hives, redness or eczema can develop. It is important to note that eczema is a skin condition that involves elevated patches of swollen skin accompanied by severe itchiness.
An infant who lives in a household that has a pet cat is more likely to develop eczema than other babies. In severe cases, the blisters filled with fluid can develop crusts.
Testing for cat allergy
The doctor will conduct testing to determine if the infant has cat allergy. Medications might be prescribed to manage the symptoms and offer ways to manage the allergy. When it comes to allergy shots, they work by minimizing the severity of the symptoms over time but not safe for children below 5 years old.
If the cat allergy is severe, the solution is to give up the cat for adoption to protect the health of the infant. Always bear in mind that even if the cat is removed, it might take up to 6 months or more to reduce the level of allergens in the house as well as decline in the allergy symptoms experienced by the infant.