People suffering from pet allergies will have symptoms consistent with an inflammation of nasal passages. This includes a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, and
shortness of breath
. Coming into physical contact with pet dander can cause contact dermatitis, hives or triggers a person's asthma.
Which allergies cause breathing problems?
- pollen.
- mold.
- dust mites.
- pet dander (skin flakes)
- cockroach droppings.
- rodents.
Can breathing issues be caused by allergies?
Can allergies cause shortness of breath? The answer is “yes”:
an environmental allergy can affect your airway in two distinct ways, potentially resulting in shortness of breath
. Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, affects your nose and sinuses. It can lead to sneezing, congestion, an itchy nose, and itchy eyes.
Can pet allergies cause chest tightness?
If you're allergic to your pet, you may notice symptoms right away or they might not crop up for a few days. They can include:
Chest tightness
, wheezing, or trouble breathing.
What are signs of dog allergies?
- Sneezing.
- Runny nose.
- Itchy, red or watery eyes.
- Nasal congestion.
- Itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat.
- Postnasal drip.
- Cough.
- Facial pressure and pain.
How do you help a dog with allergies?
- Wash up. Ideally, you'd wash your pets once or twice a week. …
- Declare the bedroom a pet-free zone. …
- Brush or comb regularly. …
- Clean and pick up. …
- Use an allergen-capturing air filter. …
- Consider the whole environment. …
- Get medical help. …
- Sources:
What helps shortness of breath due to allergies?
Oral or nasal allergy drugs such as antihistamines and decongestants
may make it easier to breathe. Inhaled steroids can help. These drugs reduce inflammation in your airways. Allergy shots lower your sensitivity to allergens and may ease some breathing problems.
What to do when allergies make it hard to breathe?
Some products may worsen your reaction and make it even harder to breathe.
You may need a prescription-strength medication to control your allergies
. Allergy medicine often contains decongestants, antihistamines or steroids. For some allergies, you may need immunotherapy treatment.
Can Benadryl help with shortness of breath?
Treat your symptoms
Taking an over-the-counter antihistamine may work for you.
Medications such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) can stop your immune response to allergy triggers in its track, potentially lessening breathing difficulties
.
How long do pet allergy symptoms last?
The initial allergy attack can last
around two weeks
until you find a new baseline, but that new baseline does not include immunity. Everyone is different though, and some people may not feel a difference until all the allergens are gone.
Can I live with a dog if I am allergic?
You may want a dog, but are concerned about your allergies or those of a family member. Or you may have a dog and know that your allergy is a problem. The good news is that
dogs and people with allergies can live together
.
Why am I suddenly allergic to my dog?
Development of Allergies
For households with dogs,
one might suddenly develop allergies to things like a dog's dander, urine, or saliva
. For mild cases, it might be possible to manage this by grooming your dog regularly and getting a device such as a HEPA air purifier.
What is the most common dog allergy?
The most common food allergens in dogs are
proteins, especially those from dairy products, beef, lamb, chicken, chicken eggs, soy or gluten (from wheat)
. Each time a pet eats food containing these substances, the antibodies react with the antigens and symptoms occur.
What medicine is good for dogs with allergies?
Benadryl
is a great medication for use in dogs with mild-to-moderate allergies. Seasonal allergies, food allergies, environmental allergies, and allergic reactions to snake and insect bites all respond to Benadryl in most cases.
Can dog allergies go away?
Keep in mind,
it is rare for allergy suffers to completely adjust to living with their dogs except for children, who may outgrow their allergies
. Also, remember it's possible that you are allergic to a number of different allergens, not just dogs and dander.
When should I be concerned about shortness of breath?
Seek emergency medical care
if your shortness of breath is accompanied by chest pain, fainting, nausea, a bluish tinge to lips or nails, or a change in mental alertness
— as these may be signs of a heart attack or pulmonary embolism.
What over the counter medicine is good for shortness of breath?
Asthmanefrin
. The active ingredient in this OTC asthma inhaler is racepinephrine. The inhaler is available without a prescription to relieve mild symptoms of occasional asthma, such as shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, and wheezing.
Can allergies affect lungs?
Symptoms of seasonal allergies can include wheezing, sneezing and coughing.
Seasonal allergies can impact lungs by triggering asthma, allergic bronchitis, and other lung problems
. Pollen is one of the most common triggers of allergies.
