With review and feedback from CEENTA ENT doctor John Kilde, MD (Albemarle)You always wanted a dog, but you’re also allergic to animals. That’s why you got a hypoallergenic pet. But you’re still sniffling and sneezing. What’s wrong? Do you still have allergies?What are allergies?Allergies are conditions where your immune system reacts abnormally to a foreign substance that most human bodies don’t react to. People have allergies to everything from pollen to food to pets.What are the symptoms of pet allergies?Pet allergy symptoms include asthma, a runny nose, and skin issues.What is a hypoallergenic pet?Hypoallergenic pets are those that either don’t shed or shed very little. The dander that carries allergens is thus greatly reduced.Why do I still have allergy symptoms?The problem is, pet allergies aren’t in the dander, but are instead in a protein found in their saliva and urine, which the dander carries. Therefore, no pet will ever be truly hypoallergenic.Do I need to get rid of my pet if I’m allergic to them?An allergy doesn’t mean you and your pet need to part ways. Allergy medicine may be a solution. You can also remove any carpeting in your house, which can catch dander, and keep your animals out of your bedrooms. HEPA filters can also pull dander from the air. If possible, keep your pet outside, too, and bathe them regularly to remove dander from their coats.Allergy care at CEENTA“Allergy testing at CEENTA can determine if your pets may be triggering your allergy symptoms,” CEENTA ENT doctor John Kilde, MD, said. “Treatment options can then be tailored to help keep you healthy and minimize allergy issues.”If you have pet allergies serious enough that normal prescription medicines don’t suffice, our immunotherapy treatments could be right for you.You don’t have to give up your furry friends if they’re causing you allergic distress. Schedule an appointment at CEENTA to start you down the path to treatment.This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor. You can now schedule an appointment online with Dr. Kilde or any of our more than 40 ENT doctors in North and South Carolina. You can also schedule through myCEENTAchart or by calling 704-295-3000.
