Cat allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, can be a life-changing solution for individuals who suffer from cat allergies.
Instead of just treating the symptoms, immunotherapy aims to train the immune system not to be sensitive to a particular allergen, such as cat dander, making it possible for people to live with their furry friends without constantly suffering from irritating symptoms.
In this article, we will dive deeper into understanding cat allergy shots, how they work, and their efficacy in reducing allergy symptoms.
Understanding Cat Allergies
An allergy occurs when the body’s natural defense system, called the immune system, initiates a reaction to a foreign substance called an allergen.
The allergens can span a diverse range, from food to bee venom, causing severe symptoms and reactions in people with allergies.
Each person naturally produces antibodies, blood proteins that counteract a specific antigen.
When you’re allergic to something, your body makes antibodies that identify specific allergens as harmful, even though they’re not. So, when your body comes into contact with these allergens, your immune system will react.
Allergies can develop at any age in any person, but some families are more prone to them.
They can range in severity from minor irritation to a potentially life-threatening allergic emergency called anaphylaxis.
Causes
Allergies can stem from a wide variety of foreign substances, including mold, pollen, certain foods, or even pet dander. Researchers estimate between 10 and 20 percent of the world’s population suffers from a dog or cat allergy.
Contrary to popular belief, cat or dog fur doesn’t usually cause an allergy.
Instead, the animal’s saliva, urine, sweat, and dander typically trigger the reaction. Dander is a common culprit for triggering allergies, as it can hover in the air for long periods, even with limited air circulation.
On top of that, it can collect in upholstered furniture and cling to clothing, causing symptoms that seem to follow you regardless of where you go.
Saliva can cling to clothing, carpets, bedding, furniture, and other fabric, and it may become airborne when it dries.
When someone with an allergy comes into contact with these allergens, their bodies often launch an immune response to combat the unwanted invader.
Symptoms
Cat allergies can cause a diverse range of symptoms, with most affecting the nasal passages. Common symptoms include:
- Nasal congestion
- Running nose
- Postnasal drip
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Red, itchy, or watery eyes
- Itchy nose, throat, or roof of the mouth
- Facial pressure or pain
- Bluish-tinged, swollen skin under the eyes
- Frequent awakening
Individuals with asthma may experience exacerbated symptoms, including difficulty breathing, chest tightness or pain, difficulty sleeping due to breathing issues, and an audible whistle or wheeze sound during each exhale.
People also may experience allergic dermatitis, which often causes itchy skin, eczema, and raised, red patches of skin called hives.
Immunotherapy as a Solution: Cat Allergy Shots
If your allergy is causing a rift between you and your furry feline, you’re in luck – there are treatments that can help.
Doctors may provide various allergy medications, including antihistamines, corticosteroids, and decongestants, to help relieve allergy symptoms.
However, these medications treat the symptoms, not the allergy. The alternative that targets the allergy? Immunotherapy.
Through immunotherapy, you can “train” your immune system not to be sensitive to a particular allergen, such as cat dander.
Generally, this treatment plan is administered through a series of shots that expose you to very small doses of the allergen.
As the dose increases over several months to years, the allergy shot for cat allergies trains your body.
But do cat allergy shots work? Yes! They can work wonders for helping your body learn not to recognize the allergen as an “invader.”
These cat allergy shots for humans can be the difference between living with your furry companion without pesky allergies and enjoying their company allergy-free.
Efficacy of Cat Allergy Shots
Various studies demonstrate the remarkable efficacy of immunotherapy, or cat allergy shots, on multiple allergens.
They can significantly contribute to reducing reliance on allergy medications and addressing the symptoms associated with the allergy.
Many individuals notice significant improvement within the first year, although the second and third years often boast the best results. Of course, every individual is different, so timeframes can vary from one person to the next.
For many folks, the cat allergy shots cost is well worth the long-term benefits, especially compared to traditional medications that treat the symptoms.
Final Thoughts
Overall, cat allergy shots can be an effective solution to alleviate pesky allergies caused by pet dander, especially compared to traditional medications that treat the symptoms.
Immunotherapy trains the immune system not to be sensitive to the allergen, allowing individuals to live with their furry companions without constantly suffering from symptoms.
While the treatment takes time and patience, studies have shown remarkable efficacy, with many individuals experiencing significant improvement within the first year.
So, if you or someone you know is struggling with cat allergies, consider discussing immunotherapy with a healthcare provider to determine if it could be the right solution for you.