I have an allergy to my cat which manifests itself by wheezing and asthma like symptoms. I take an over the counter bronchial spray which usually relieves my symptoms. Can you remommend anything else? I believe that taking the spray every day is not healthy. Do allergy shots from an allergist work?
Answer -------
The best method of treating an allergy is avoidance. In the case of allergy to animal dander, when the dander of pets is the culprit, avoidance may not be achievable.
In that case the next therapeutic approach would be medication, using the simplest regimen with least side effect that effectively controls symptoms. Certainly, if over-the-counter allergy preparations are effective, and if they are used properly, this can be an appropriate means of treatment. Antihistamines are the most common medication used for allergies. Over-the-counter preparations include Benadryl, Dimetapp, amongst many others. When respiratory symptoms such as wheezing and cough are the predominant symptoms, bronchodilators are generally used. While there are over-the-counter bronchodilators available, such as Primatene Mist, they should not be used unless a definitive diagnosis of asthma has been made by a physician, and then only if the physician advises its use as appropriate based upon a measurement of the severity of the asthma. It may be that reliance on over-the-counter preparations for control of asthmatic symptoms is unsafe and prescription medications might best be used.
Certainly if a diagnosis of allergic asthma can be made, and if allergy to feline dander is the predominant allergen, then allergy shots (immunotherapy) prescribed by an allergist can be highly effective in controlling symptoms and inducing tolerance to the allergen.
--
SK Dankle, MD
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
Click here to review
previous General Medicine Clinic consultations