Question 1

how can i reduce my cat allergy symptoms without getting medicaiton?

Accepted Answer

Cat allergy therapy: If you don't take medication, there are 2 treatment modalities remaining for you: reduce exposure to the cat, or take allergy shots. Reducing exposure can include using a filter at home or getting rid of carpets, bathing the cat and cleaning deeply. It can help a bit, but not as much as putting kitty outside or in someone else's home. Steroid nose sprays help too tho; they're a non-pill medicine.

Question 2

my friend's husband was desensitized for a serious cat allergy through drops vs. shots. can you provide info on this?

Accepted Answer

Immunotherapy : There are two types of immunotherapy..  With allergy shots, small but increasing amounts of what you are allergic to are mixed in saline and injected into the muscle.  With increased exposure, your body's response will decrease in time and tolerate the exposure better.  With drops, otherwise known as slit or sublingual immunotherapy, the allergen is mixed in glycerin and placed under the tongue.

Question 3

how do you treat a cat allergy?

Accepted Answer

OTC: Cat allergies are treated the same as other environmental allergies. Use an antihistamine such as claritin, zyrtec, or allegra.  There is also zaditor (ketotifen) available for eye symptoms.

Question 4

is it possible to cure a cat allergy?

Accepted Answer

Define cure: If you mean off all medications without any symptoms whatsoever, then that's unlikely.  However, allergen immunotherapy is effective at significantly reducing sensitivity to cats.

Question 5

what are some of the symptoms of a cat allergy?

Accepted Answer

Varies: Cat allergy symptoms can include: runny nose and eyes, itchy nose, eyes and ears, skin rahes, trouble breathing and asthma symptoms.

Question 6

which is the best allergy pill for a cat allergy?

Accepted Answer

Many: Antihistamines are "allergy pills." the new generation antihistamines such as claritin, allegra, zyrtec, xyzal, and Clarinex  are all effective as treating cat and other pet dander allergies.  Some individuals respond better to one or the other medication, so it is a good idea to keep trying if the first one isn't controlling symptoms.  Avoid Benadryl (diphenhydramine) due to side effects.

Question 7

should i do a cat allergy test before having a cat?

Accepted Answer

Yes: That is a great idea. Better to find out beforehand.

Question 8

is it possible for someone to have a deadly cat allergy?

Accepted Answer

Yes if asthmatic: People with allergic asthma an a cat allergy could have a severe asthma attack with exposure.  This could potentially be deadly.

Question 9

can you die from a cat allergy?

Accepted Answer

Highly unusual: but one can never say never in medicine. The scenario I can think of is when one has severe asthma and is allergic to cat. In which case, the cat exposure can lead to a severe exacerbation resulting in death.   However I have not seen a person dying from cat allergy per se.

Question 10

is there any way to 'cure' a cat allergy?

Accepted Answer

New home for kitty?: There is no way to truly "cure" cat allergy.  The best way to minimize symptoms of course is to remove the cat from the home.  If that is not possible, allergy injections to cat are very effective.  They may not completely "cure" the allergy, but can diminish them significantly.

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Doctor answers about:

Cat allergy medication

A member asked:

How can i reduce my cat allergy symptoms without getting medicaiton?

A member asked:

My friend's husband was desensitized for a serious cat allergy through drops vs. shots. can you provide info on this?

A member asked:

How do you treat a cat allergy?

A member asked:

Is it possible to cure a cat allergy?

A member asked:

What are some of the symptoms of a cat allergy?

A member asked:

Which is the best allergy pill for a cat allergy?

A member asked:

Should i do a cat allergy test before having a cat?

A member asked:

Is it possible for someone to have a deadly cat allergy?

A member asked:

Can you die from a cat allergy?

A member asked:

Is there any way to 'cure' a cat allergy?

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