Live Free from Asthma and Allergies by Ellen W. Cutler

Author:Ellen W. Cutler [Cutler, Ellen W.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-0-307-77871-0
Publisher: Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed
Published: 2011-03-30T00:00:00+00:00

HOUSEHOLD PETS

Approximately 10 percent of the American population, including 20–30 percent of asthmatics, are sensitive to animals. Most have a sensitivity to cats, which is actually a sensitivity to dander and the proteins in their saliva and urine. It is estimated that 70 percent of the homes in the United States have at least one cat or dog.2 Approximately six million Americans are sensitive to cats, and early exposure can lead to asthma in a child with a predisposition. Keeping an animal outdoors is preferable, but that also can create a problem because outdoor allergens—pollen and mold—can cling to the fur and come off when the animal is touched.

Frequent bathing of a cat is important, as is appropriate indoor and outdoor ventilation and frequent vacuuming with a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner. Cat allergen can linger in carpets, mattresses, and walls for months and even years. To speed up removal, clean heating and air-conditioning ducts thoroughly, clean the walls, have carpets and upholstery professionally cleaned, and use HEPA air cleaners throughout the house.

Studies have shown that washing a cat with water removes much of its surface sensitivity content and reduces the future production of allergens. Place the cat or kitten in the sink and pour lukewarm water over its body. Wash it weekly for three weeks, then at two- or three-week intervals after that. An asthmatic should wear a face mask when brushing a cat, and then wash their hands and change their clothes after touching it—another reminder that parasites can be picked up while touching an animal. Since small animals like mice and gerbils also bear allergens, wear a mask when cleaning their cage or have a nonsensitive person do it.

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