Cat Allergy Management And Treatment
Avoidance is the best way to manage a cat allergy. If you have a cat and are allergic to cats, consider removing the cat from the home.
If you have a cat but dont want to find it a new home, or if your family wants a cat even though someone in the household is allergic, here are some strategies that may help keep symptoms at bay:
- Keep the cat out of your bedroom and restrict it to only a few rooms. Be advised that keeping the cat in only one room will not limit the allergens to that room.
- Dont pet, hug or kiss the cat if you do, wash your hands with soap and water.
- High-efficiency particulate air cleaners run continuously in a bedroom or living room can reduce allergen levels over time.
- Regular use of a high-efficiency vacuum cleaner or a central vacuum can reduce allergen levels.
- Giving your cat a bath at least once a week can reduce airborne cat allergen.
Treatments for cat allergy vary, depending on the symptoms.
Your allergist can help determine what treatment would be best to treat your cat allergy. Nasal symptoms often are treated with steroid nasal sprays, oral antihistamines or other oral medications. Eye symptoms are often treated with antihistamine eyedrops. Respiratory or asthma symptoms can be treated with inhaled corticosteroids or bronchodilators to either prevent or relieve respiratory symptoms.
Allergy shots are an effective treatment of allergies by building tolerance over time through gradually injecting increasing doses of an allergen.
Apply A Warm Compress With Onion
When placed on the chest, the heat from the poultice seeps into the skin to break up the coagulated mucus. Also, onions are credited with expectorant properties that may further help in thinning out the mucus secretions.
Although there isnât much scientific merit to this adjunct therapy, it enjoys considerable anecdotal popularity.
How to use:
You may also add ginger or garlic to this mix for additional therapeutic effects. Alternatively, you can use a simple warm compress or a hot water bag.
Caution: To avoid the risk of getting burns from the poultice, do not use scalding-hot onions. Also, onion juice seeping from the cotton cloth directly on the skin may cause mild irritation in some people.
Dog Allergy Management And Treatment
Avoidance is the best way to manage a dog allergy. If you have a dog and are allergic to dogs, consider removing the dog from the home.
If you have a dog but dont want to find it a new home, or if your family wants a dog even though someone in the household is allergic, here are some strategies that may help keep symptoms at bay:
- Keep the dog out of your bedroom and restrict it to only a few rooms. Be advised that keeping the dog in only one room will not limit the allergens to that room.
- Dont pet, hug or kiss the dog if you do, wash your hands with soap and water.
- High-efficiency particulate air cleaners run continuously in a bedroom or living room can reduce allergen levels over time.
- Regular use of a high-efficiency vacuum cleaner or a central vacuum can reduce allergen levels.
- Giving your dog a bath at least once a week can reduce airborne dog allergen.
Treatments for dog allergy vary, depending on the symptoms.
Your allergist can help determine what treatment would be best to treat your dog allergy. Nasal symptoms are often treated with steroid nasal sprays, oral antihistamines or other oral medications. Eye symptoms are often treated with antihistamine eyedrops. Respiratory or asthma symptoms can be treated with inhaled corticosteroids or bronchodilators to either prevent or relieve respiratory symptoms.
Allergy shots are an effective treatment of allergies by building tolerance over time through gradually injecting increasing doses of an allergen.
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Symptoms: What Does An Allergy Cough Feel Like
Allergy-related cough is typically a “dry” cough, meaning you probably won’t cough up any mucus or phlegm. It can become chronic, lasting for several weeks at a time. Coughing can occur with several different conditions and illnesses. You’ll likely see a specialist, such as an allergist, for specific testing to diagnose your allergies.
Although coughing occurs with a variety of medical conditions, allergy cough occurs with other allergy symptoms, including:
- Sneezing
- Fatigue
Foods To Avoid For Chest Congestion
As much as a healthy diet can relieve chest congestion, there are a category of foods that one should avoid like a plague if you are dont want to be in a position to worsen the condition even further.
In order to make the process a bit easier for you, we have enlisted the top foods that you should avoid if you are suffering from chest congestion.
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Like all of our content, product reviews and articles with shopping links are editorially independent of business initiatives. Our content team independently selects products and we maintain a healthy separation between our editorial and business teams throughout the content creation process. We also enforce a robust that ensures sponsors and business partners never influence our content.
What Causes Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis occurs when your bodys immune system reacts to an irritant in the air. The irritants are so tiny that you can easily inhale them through your nose or mouth.
Allergens are harmless to most people. But if you have hay fever, your immune system thinks the allergen is intruding. The immune system tries to protect your body by releasing natural chemicals into your bloodstream. The main chemical is called histamine. It causes mucous membranes in the nose, eyes and throat to become inflamed and itchy as they work to eject the allergen.
Seasonal and perennial allergies can result from many allergens, including:
- Dust mites that live in carpets, drapes, bedding and furniture.
- Pollen from trees, grass and weeds.
- Pet dander .
- Mold spores.
- Cockroaches, including their saliva and waste.
Food allergies can also cause inflammation in the nose and throat. If you think youre having an allergic reaction to something you ate, get medical help right away. Food allergies can be life-threatening.
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What Is A Skin Prick Test
This common test is painless and accurate, though it may be a little uncomfortable. Your provider places a small sample of different allergens on your skin and scratches or pricks the skin with a needle. Scratching the skin allows the allergen to get under the surface.
If youre allergic to the allergen, the area will become red, itchy and irritated in 15 to 30 minutes. You may develop raised, hive-like welts called wheals that show an allergic reaction. A skin prick test is a safe, effective way to determine which allergens are causing your symptoms.
Remedies To Get Rid Of Chest Congestion
In some cases, it is best to leave treatment of chest congestion to health care professionals. There are people who do get the common cold every few years or they experience seasonal allergies that lead to chest congestion. Some are very much in tune with the signs and symptoms.
Sometimes all it takes is a little research into home remedies. There could be some items in your home that could relief your chest congestion.Lets look at some chest congestion treatments, including home remedies:
In addition to the remedies mentioned above, it is important when you have chest congestion to stay well hydrated. Drinking plenty of water can help clear out mucus. Warm water is best since it thins out mucus, allowing it to move. Eating healthy, nutritious foods such as citrus fruits, garlic, asparagus, and pineapple is a good idea. These food items have been known to help clear out the chest.
Having chest congestion can make you feel downright miserable. Every year in the United States, people suffer a total of one billion colds. While we are not suggesting everyone run off to the doctor when they get a little sniffle or cough, we do want people to take chest congestion seriously when the symptoms seem to appear for no reason or when they come on suddenly and are severe. Getting a quick, proper diagnosis can rule out and address any serious conditions and get you back to feeling yourself.
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Are Chest Congestion And Nasal Congestion The Same
Nasal congestion is characterized by a stuffy nose caused by the inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes, which leads to the production of thick, sticky mucus.
On the other hand, chest congestion is characterized by heaviness in the chest, sore throat, and the production of phlegm. It occurs when there is an overproduction of mucus in your respiratory airways, which ends up restricting your airflow.
How To Get Rid Of Mucus Buildup In Lungs With Airway Clearance
If youre living with a chronic lung condition like bronchiectasis or COPD , the challenge of clearing excess mucus from the lungs can significantly increase. This is especially true if youve experienced recurring respiratory infections. Your treatment may involve the use of antibiotics coupled with an effective airway clearance device to help clear your airways.
The SmartVest Airway Clearance System is a high frequency chest wall oscillation therapy device that works by delivering repeating pulses of air that gently squeeze and release the upper body. The oscillation helps loosen mucus and propel it upwards, where it can be more easily coughed out, preventing the spread of infection that could further damage your lungs. When used consistently, SmartVest can help you or your loved one experience symptom relief and prevent mucus build up from keeping you in bed or in the hospital, away from your family and favorite activities. To learn more about the benefits of using SmartVest, request an information packet today!
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Can I Prevent Hay Fever
There is no way to prevent hay fever, but lifestyle changes can help you live with allergies. You can relieve hay fever symptoms by avoiding irritants as much as possible. To reduce symptoms, you should:
- Avoid touching your face and rubbing your eyes or nose.
- Close windows in your home and car during the spring, summer and early fall when pollen counts are higher.
- Enclose pillows, mattresses and box springs in dust mite covers.
- Keep pets off couches and beds, and close doors to bedrooms you dont want them to enter.
- Use filters in your vacuum cleaner and air conditioner to reduce the amount of allergens in the air.
- Wash your hands often, especially after playing with pets.
- Wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes from pollen when youre outside. Change your clothes as soon as you come indoors.
Annual Flu Vaccination Is A Must
Annual flu vaccination is a must to steer clear of the flu, which is a highly contagious respiratory infection and may cause chest congestion. Consult your doctor about getting a pneumonia shot as well, especially if you are 60 or above.
Avoid dairy products, as they may cause thickening of the phlegm.
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How To Deal With Throat Congestion
PlushCare Content Team
PlushCare Content Team
The PlushCare Content Team delivers high-quality, medically-reviewed healthcare content as part of our mission to help all people live longer, healthier and happier lives.
Dr. Katalin Karolyi
Dr. Katalin Karolyi
Katalin Karolyi, M.D. earned her medical degree at the University of Debrecen. After completing her residency program in pathology at the Kenezy Hospital, she obtained a postdoctoral position at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, Florida.
What Kind Of Congestion Is It
- A runny or stuffy nose with thin, clear fluid, accompanied by sneezing are common symptoms of a cold.
- A clear runny or stuffy nose and sneezing can also be seen in environmental allergies, which often also cause an itchy nose and itchy, watery, red or swollen eyes.
- Thick, green nasal discharge and a cough are typically signs of a cold or other infection such as sinusitis.
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History And Physical Examination
Your physical examination will include checking your vital signs, such as your temperature, pulse, and breathing rate. A fever can be an indication of an infection. Rapid breathing or a rapid heart rate can be a sign of a severe infection or an impending asthma attack.
Your healthcare provider will listen to your breathing sounds with a stethoscope, which will help determine whether your congestion is on one side of the lungs or both.
- Generally, with asthma and allergies, congestion affects both lungs.
- Congestion can be limited to one lung or one section of a lung when there is another cause, such as an infection.
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Could Allergies Be Causing You To Lose Sleep
When allergy season comes around, you may have more to worry about than just a runny nose and sneezing allergies can also affect your quality of sleep.
Seasonal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis, occurs when allergens in the air are breathed in, causing irritation and inflammation in the nasal passages.
Allergens may include dust mites, pollen, mold and pet dander. These particles trigger the release of a chemical in the body that causes nasal congestion, making it harder to sleep. These factors can cause the nasal passages to narrow, making it difficult to breathe properly at night.
A survey from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America found that 59% of people with nasal allergies say that they have trouble sleeping because of their allergy symptoms. And 48% say that their nighttime itching and sneezing disturb their bed partners sleep as well.
Since sleeping and allergies cannot be avoided, it is important to know that you can try to control them.
Check the pollen count for the day and avoid areas that may trigger your symptoms. If your allergies are not well managed by over the counter medicines and are impacting your quality of life, try visiting your doctor. An allergist can help diagnose the cause of your allergies and provide proper treatment.
For more information about sleep issues, visit: www.somnas.com
Asthmatic Chest Congestion Symptoms
Chest congestion can be an uncomfortable and especially persistent effect of asthma. You may cough up phlegm or you can feel like you need to do so, but can’t . Your breathing might be loud, with the sound of noisy mucus that seems to be coming from your nose, throat, and/or chest.
Chest congestion can also cause a number of bothersome issues including:
- Trouble sleeping
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
When you have asthma, you may also have nasal congestion or postnasal drip along with chest congestion.
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Hydrate And Soothe With Warm Soups And Teas
Many people swear by drinking liquids, especially hot liquids, to help relieve a stuffy nose. Although its certainly important to stay hydrated especially when youre not feeling well the effect of hot liquids on congestion can mostly be chalked up to the placebo effect.
Researchers who split up a group of people with cold and flu symptoms, giving half of them a room-temperature drink and the other half a hot drink, found that there was no measurable improvement in nasal stuffiness in either group. But interestingly, the group that drank the hot drink reported greater relief from symptoms. Researchers also speculated that in addition to the placebo effect, the taste of the hot drink also contributed to the favorable response.
If youre ready to heat up your own congestion remedy, try hot teas, such as chamomile and green tea, hot soups like chicken noodle, or a glass of hot water with a dollop of honey and some lemon. These have been used traditionally in many cultures, and are safe, but have limited research evidence backing their use specifically for nasal congestion.
