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Animal Allergies: A Growing Problem

What are Animal Allergies?

Animal allergies are caused by an allergic reaction to allergens found in animal dander, saliva, or urine. Dander is a type of dead skin cells that are shed by animals. When these allergens are inhaled, they can cause a range of symptoms, including sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, and difficulty breathing.

Symptoms of Animal Allergies

The symptoms of animal allergies can vary from person to person. Some people may only experience mild symptoms, while others may have more severe reactions. Common symptoms of animal allergies include: * Sneezing * Coughing * Itchy eyes * Runny nose * Nasal congestion * Difficulty breathing * Hives * Eczema

Treatment for Animal Allergies

There is no cure for animal allergies, but there are a number of treatments that can help to manage the symptoms. These treatments include: * Avoiding contact with animals * Taking antihistamines * Using nasal sprays * Getting allergy shots

Prevention of Animal Allergies

The best way to prevent animal allergies is to avoid contact with animals. However, this is not always possible. If you must come into contact with animals, there are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of an allergic reaction: * Wash your hands after touching animals. * Change your clothes after being around animals. * Vacuum your home regularly to remove pet dander. * Use an air purifier to remove allergens from the air.

Conclusion

Animal allergies are a common problem, but they can be managed with proper treatment. If you think you may be allergic to animals, it is important to see a doctor to get tested and to discuss your treatment options.