The ultimate pet allergy FAQ

11th March 2020

The ultimate pet allergy FAQ

The British public loves their pets. Half of UK households have one, be it a dog, cat, or other furry (or not-so-furry) creature. They’re our loyal companions and best friends. But some people are unlucky – they’re allergic to animals.

Whether you’ve lived with a pet allergy for some time or have just discovered one, here’s our quick FAQ that should hopefully answer your burning questions.

What are the symptoms of a pet allergy?

No matter what animal it is, the symptoms are often the same. They can also be very similar to hay fever, so make sure you don’t get your wires crossed.

Symptoms include:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Watery or itchy eyes
• Skin rash or hives
• Coughing or shortness of breath

If you only have these symptoms when coming into contact with animals, you might be allergic to them.

So can I get a pet?

If you already have a pet and this is a new allergy to you, don’t worry. You can still peacefully coexist. It just means now you’ll have to be more careful to lower the chances of a reaction. What you need to know is the allergy usually comes from the animal dander – their hair. 

So here are some ways you can reduce the chances of coming into contact with it:

• Keep animals off your furniture – if you spend a long time there, such as in your bed, make sure your pet doesn’t climb all over it
• Clean regularly – invest in a vacuum made especially for pet hair and get into a routine of using it
• Don’t touch your pet too much – keep contact to a minimum and always wash your hands when you’re done

Can I get a pet if I don’t have one?

This is up to you, whether you would rather have a pet and suffer or not bother at all. It’s a tough choice if you’re an animal lover. The upside is you can get hypoallergenic breeds of both dogs and cats. These are breeds that leave less hair lying around.

You could also consider a smaller pet, like a rabbit or a hamster, but again, their fur might trigger a reaction so do your research first. Alternatively, you could go for something different like a reptile or a bird. Allergy sufferers tend to have a better time with these pets but, again, they might bring their own issues.

If you love animals and want a pet, we can’t blame you. Whatever you do, always look after your health. If you need advice, find an allergist near you who can guide you through the process.

At the London Allergy and Immunology Centre, we’re experts on all things allergies. And that includes pet allergies. If you would like to discuss your condition, feel free to get in touch with us on 02031 433 449.

Q&A: Four common questions about peanut allergies

8th May 2019

Q&A: Four common questions about peanut allergies

If you or any of your friends and family suffer from a peanut allergy, finding the right information is the best path to living safely. We’ve highlighted four frequently asked questions about peanut allergies so you’re better equipped to handle yours – or someone’s close to you.

Can you grow out of a peanut allergy?

Unfortunately, growing out of a peanut allergy is relatively uncommon. According to research, only 20% of children outgrow their allergy. A child is most likely to grow out of their allergy before the age of 10. After this, the probability becomes much lower. Scientists are still unsure why this happens, which has raised a lot of hope for future research.

Are peanut allergies always anaphylactic?

Contrary to popular belief, the answer is no. In fact, most peanut allergies are non-severe. Reactions also include non-lethal digestive problems and skin reactions. However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t put safety first at all times. Although only affecting extreme cases, anaphylaxis can be lethal and should be avoided at all costs.

Does peanut oil always cause a reaction for someone with a peanut allergy?

No. It depends on how the peanut oil is processed. Because they remove all allergenic proteins, refined oils are safe. On the other hand, crude oils are not safe and can still contain the proteins that cause someone with an allergy to react.

Am I missing out on nutritional value from not eating peanuts?

It’s true that peanuts are a great source of many vitamins and minerals including Vitamin C magnesium, niacin, and chromium. A peanut-restricted diet will not leave an adult or developing child deficient in these nutrients. If they eat a balanced and healthy diet, there are plenty of other foods that provide these nutrients.

If you or anyone close to you is experiencing signs of a peanut allergy, you should seek help right away. Minor reactions are still concerning as they can worsen over time. With proper diagnosis and care, your allergy doesn’t have to get in the way of your daily life.

For more guidance on how to keep your allergies in check, or to book an allergy test, feel free to call us on 02031 433 449.

Your allergy FAQs answered

22nd March 2019

Your allergy FAQs answered

To those of us who have dealt with allergies for a long time, it can seem strange when people ask us questions with answers we assume to be common knowledge. We forget about the 64 million people in the UK who don’t have an allergy. For those of us who have only recently discovered an allergy, or don’t have any at all, they can be baffling. So, here are some of the most common FAQs that should help guide the allergy-inquisitives among us.

Can allergies be cured?

The short answer is no, but we prefer to say not yet. As the frequency of allergies continues to increase, so does the research into the causes and treatments. Medical advancement so far has not made it possible to cure allergies however, there are plenty of effective treatments to reduce and almost eradicate symptoms.

How can you tell if it is allergies or a common cold?

The key is to look for patterns, something we as humans are very good at. It this a one-off cold that just seems to be lingering? Or, do you experience similar coughing, sneezing, runny nose, headaches, and watery-eyed symptoms on a daily/regular basis. With a cold, these symptoms can come on gradually. With allergies, they will likely come on all at once and fast. But, if you are still unsure, the best way to know is to get allergy tested.

What causes allergies?

There are many different theories as to what causes allergies, but it has been hard for medical researchers to settle on one, or even reliably prove any of them. Common theories include that we are too clean, not allowing our body’s immune systems to develop properly. Another is that allergies are influenced by the diet of the mother during pregnancy. Another theory states that it is a result of the increasingly polluted environments we live in. But, we may find that there isn’t one single cause but rather a variety of factors that interact.

If you need help understanding your allergies, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with The London Allergy and Immunology Centre. Our specialist consultants can help you find the best treatments to make sure your allergies don’t take their toll on your daily life. Give us a call on 02 031 433 449 today.