Oh No Allergies (the Human Has Them)

[luceroslullaby]

okay so my mom has been feeling unwell for over a month with some pretty alarming allergy symptoms like the difficulties breathing kind. we figured it was the pollen given the huge tree behind our house gives off a bunch during spring. she could finally afford to see the doctor and they said it was most likely due to pets inside. granted we've had the cats and dog inside for over 2 years and this was never a problem but people change I guess. anyways I've been looking around for allergy medicine and so far zyrtec looks good since it's over the counter but I want to know if any of ya'll have any tips on how to help lessen the allergy burden on loved ones when keeping the cats outside is not a solution and I would rather not give them away since they are the last surviving decendents of their mom who died recently and she was my first cat. I'll try to brush them more often and outside but I want to know what else I can do...

 

[duckpond]

My husband has a lot of allergies. His allergy Dr. had him start using the nasal spray Flonase. Its over the counter now as well. It has saved him a lot of agony since he started with it.

Our vet also said feed them the best food you can, makes a difference in their skin. even light supplement with fish oil. and don't let them in and out, they bring outside allergens indoors. Also keep that litter box very clean. a lot of the proteins that can cause problems, at least with cats are also in the Urine, so a clean box helps with that.

 

[neely]

Did your mom see an allergist, i.e. a doctor specifically trained to diagnose and treat allergies? The reason I asked is because I am also allergic to both cats and dogs but cannot live without my animals. The allergy specialist did a blood and allergy skin test to determine specifically what I was allergic to. Here is an Article that may be helpful for your mom: Living With Cat Allergy Best of luck! I hope your mom can get the help she needs for her allergies.

 

[MoochNNoodles]

Quite a few of our members are allergic to cats. My DH is as well. I do think seeing an allergist would be good if she can; since you mention the breathing difficulties. That can be a little scary!

Our girls are not allowed in our bedroom/on our bed. I also keep inexpensive fleece throw blankets on the back of the couch and where they like to sleep. DH can move them when he sits down and the are washed easily. Regular vacuuming helps along with dusting and all that. Grooming to keep their fur from transferring allergens around as they shed it is a good idea. Changing the filters on your home's furnace/AC every 3 months helps A LOT! My parents rarely changed ours but DH is practically religious about it and I noticed a big difference in my seasonal allergies when we got married and I moved into his place! We get the best filters we can afford because it really does help!

As for medicines; everyone in my house uses generic Zyrtec. My doctor also said to use Flonase. They work best if you can start them before allergy season starts. But it takes a good week for them to start controlling things properly. I have also used Allegra with good control; but I think there are some other medications you can't take while on that one. Claratin seems to work well for DH; but I haven't had as much luck with it anymore. I did take it regularly at one point. It may be something that is different for everyone. But again; it takes time to build up and do it's job.

Good luck!

 

[lalagimp]

I was using claritin and then I was using Xyzal because it's supposed to be stronger, but it's not so great. I just started taking Allegra instead since Monday and it doesn't seem like my allergy fits are as much of a pain as they have been.
If she's having trouble breathing and it's allergen related you can look into prescription Singulair.