The prevalence of childhood asthma and allergy has risen throughout the world in the last three decades. Changes in lifestyle and environmental factors like an increase in ex-posure to air pollutants, environmental tobacco smoke, or indoor allergen, pet exposure and green house effects are considered as the primary factors inducing allergy in man. Early and current exposure to cats – but not to dogs – was associated with lower frequency of wheeze and grass pollen sensitization. The proteins from the hair, saliva or urine of household pets cause an allergic reaction that attacks our eyes and airways, and can result in asthmatic symptoms. It may also cause atopic dermatitis or a nettle rash.

It is often difficult to avoid the allergens that can come from other people's pets or be transported by people who have been in contact with animals. School classes can be overloaded with pet allergens. Most often the allergies acquire from cats or dogs, but rats, mice, guinea pigs, hamsters, pet birds, horses, cows or poultry can be involved. Pet allergens are proteins, which when in contact with the skin or breathed in, cause an allergic reaction that provokes the body into producing histamine. The histamine produces swelling and irritation of the upper airways and causes typical hay fever and asthmatic symptoms. The tendency toward allergic reactions is often hereditary.

Pets are very important in modern life. When moving house or flat, the chances of the former owners having had a pet are high. It may take months, and in a modern insulated flat years, before the level of allergens are so low that an allergic reaction is not a possibility. If pet allergies are suspected, the new house owner should try to stay away from home for a fortnight to see whether the symptoms disappear.

A doctor or specialist could be asked to conduct an allergy test to confirm the diagnosis. Often it is enough for the doctor to know when and where the patient got their symptoms. Skin tests and blood samples can confirm the diagnosis. If an individual has allergic symptoms, one should avoid things that provoke them.

Dogs and cats should be bathed at least once a month in plain water. Remember to dry the animals properly afterwards. It has been proved that a monthly ‘cat wash' lowers the level of allergens in the house. Rabbits and guinea pigs do not produce so much hair but their urine may cause trouble. They should not live in the house but outside and be cared for by a person without allergies. Pet animals should be kept outside the house and every time one touches a pat, they should wash their hands.

Bedabrata Das