A pet allergy is simply an allergic reaction to proteins found in an animal’s urine, saliva, or skin cells. Pet allergy symptoms include eye symptoms, congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. Some may also experience symptoms of asthma, such as trouble breathing and wheezing. Many people in Novi, Michigan, are often diagnosed with this allergic reaction that is triggered by exposure to the dead skin or dander of pets. Any animal’s dander or fur can be an allergy source. If you are experiencing the symptoms of asthma and seeking the best pet allergy asthma treatment in Novi, Michigan, this blog is your one-stop solution to finding the right option.

Treatment Options for Pet Allergies

The first line of pet allergy and asthma treatment is to reduce or avoid the allergy-causing animal. When you lower this exposure to pet allergens, you may usually expect less severe or fewer allergic reactions. However, sometimes it becomes tough to reduce your exposure fully to animal allergens. Even if you don’t possess any pets, you may unpredictably experience such allergens on other individuals’ clothes. In such cases, you may need medications or other treatments to control symptoms and cope with asthma.

Allergy Medications

Here are some medications your doctor may prescribe to relieve your asthma symptoms:

1. Corticosteroids

These medications are delivered as nasal sprays to relieve signs of hay fever and lower inflammation. Nasal corticosteroids offer a low dose of the medicine and have fewer risks of side effects than oral corticosteroids.

2. Antihistamines

Antihistamines lower the production of an immune system chemical that is active in allergic responses and help control a runny nose, sneezing, and itching. Adults can take prescription antihistamines as a nasal spray and tablets, and kids can take the syrup.

3. Leukotriene Modifiers

Leukotriene modifiers prevent some immune system chemicals’ functions. Your doctor may prescribe montelukast, a prescription drug, if antihistamines or corticosteroid nasal sprays don’t work for you.

4. Decongestants

By helping shrink swollen tissues in the nasal passages, decongestants make it easier to breathe. Oral decongestants can raise blood pressure and should not be used if you have hypertension, heart disease, or glaucoma. Over-the-counter decongestants taken as nasal sprays may slightly relieve allergy symptoms.

Other Treatments

1. Nasal Irrigation

You can use a particularly designed squeeze bottle to flush irritants or thickened mucus from your sinuses with a saline rinse. Use distilled sterile water that has been previously boiled and cooled when making a saline solution. Make sure to wash the irrigation device after use with filtered water and leave it open to air-dry.

2. Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is administered through allergy shots. 1-2 weekly shots expose you to small allergen doses if you are suffering from a pet allergy. The dose is gradually increased over a 4–6 month period. Maintenance shots are necessary every four weeks for three to five years. You can go for immunotherapy if other easy treatments don’t work for you.

Final Notes

If you feel that you have a pet allergy, make sure to eliminate your exposure to your pets. Also, feel free to contact The Allergy Suite to get the most effective pet allergy asthma treatment in Novi, Michigan.