Pollen allergy or "hay fever" affects more than 35 million Americans, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, or AAAAI. According to the same source, there are 10 million pet owners that are allergic to their animal friends. Allergies happen when the immune system overreacts to certain invaders---called allergens---such as proteins from pollen and pets, in the case of pollen and pet allergies. The immune system produces antibodies called immunoglobulins E, which cause cells to release chemicals triggering an allergic reaction.
Pollen as Allergen
Pollen contains tiny grains with cells that plants use for reproduction. Wind carries the pollen of certain plants, causing allergy in many people. The pollen season can start as early as February, and last as late as October. In the early spring, tree pollen causes allergies, during the late spring and early summer it's grasses, and in late summer and fall it's weeds. In warmer places pollination can occur year-round.
Allergens from Pets
A common belief is that animal hair causes allergies in people, but what really causes them are proteins from the animal's dander---dead skin cells, saliva or urine. These proteins fly through the air triggering the reaction when allergic people inhale them.
Symptoms and Sensitivity
Pollen allergy is also called allergic rhinitis. The symptoms include sneezing, stuffiness, runny and itchy nose, and itchiness in the mouth, throat, eyes or ears. People with allergic rhinitis can develop allergic conjunctivitis with watery eyes, and are often more sensitive to irritants such as smoke, perfume or cold, dry air. They can suffer from asthma, sinus and ear conditions or trouble sleeping. Pet allergy symptoms include itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, wheezing and hives, and they get worse with continued exposure to pets.
Diagnosis
An allergist/immunologist---a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies, asthma and other immune system disorders---can take a detailed health history, perform a physical exam and test patients for allergies using skin tests. An allergist can determine whether a person suffers from a pet allergy or if a patient has a hay fever, which pollen causes.
Treatment
Pollen allergies can make people miserable, and allergists suggest avoiding outdoor exposure and can prescribe medications to relieve the symptoms. For patients with continuous symptoms or with symptoms that last many months of the year, allergists may recommend allergy shots, or immunotherapy. This consists of regular injections that make the patient's immune system more and more tolerant to the specific allergen, and thus lessen the symptoms and the need for medications. AAAAI suggests keeping the windows closed at night and if possible, using air conditioning, staying indoors when the pollen levels are high, wearing a pollen mask and taking the prescribed medications.
The only treatment against pet allergy is avoidance, since there is no "hypoallergenic pet." AAAAI offers some tips for minimizing symptoms, such as visiting an allergist, keeping the pets out of the bedroom, keeping them outside as much as possible, bathing them weekly, avoiding hugging and kissing them, removing carpets and rugs, washing bedding and clothing in hot water and washing hands after exposure. Still, none of these measures can remove the allergens completely.
References
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology: Tips to Remember: Outdoor Allergens
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology: Battling Pet Allergies
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology: Allergic Conditions: Pet Allergy
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology: Tips to Remember: Rhinitis
