Combatting Childhood Cat Allergies: The Role of Cat Allergy Shots
Cat allergies plague thousands of people throughout the United States, barring them from spending time with furry felines without being absolutely miserable. From runny noses to itchy eyes to hives, the resulting allergic reaction after exposure is no fun. Luckily for your cat-loving kiddo, there’s a solution: allergy immunotherapy.
This treatment offers promising results for people from all walks of life, helping them find relief from their allergies through tried and true methods that have been around for over a century.
Childhood Cat Allergies: A Quick Rundown
Cat allergies in kids mirror those in adults. In simple terms, these allergies are a reaction in the body to a foreign substance, which, in this case, is something on the cat. In most cases, cat allergies aren’t actually to the fur. Instead, the sensitivity stems from the cat’s dander (the dead skin it sloughs off) or its saliva.
Both the dander and the saliva can cling to furniture, clothing, and other surfaces, triggering your child’s allergies even when the cat isn’t around. Both can even become airborne, further complicating things.
When your child is exposed to the allergen, whether it’s the dander or saliva, their immune systems jump into action. They produce antibodies, or blood proteins that counteract a specific antigen, that flag the allergen as harmful, even though it isn’t. The red flag thrown by those antibodies causes specific cells to release chemicals, causing your child’s allergy symptoms.
These allergy symptoms may include:
- Skin rashes
- Hives
- Difficulty breathing
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Runny nose
- Itchy eyes
- Stomach upset
What Are Cat Allergy Shots?
Cat allergy shots are a type of allergy immunotherapy (AIT), a treatment that desensitizes the body to a particular allergen. In this case, it’s likely the cat’s dander or saliva, although it might be the fur. Unlike traditional allergy treatments, such as corticosteroids or antihistamines, this treatment focuses on the allergy, not the symptoms.
It helps desensitize the body by reducing the production of those “blocking” antibodies that create the reaction. The dose increases by minuscule amounts every time, slowly decreasing your child’s sensitivity to the allergen.
With time and consistency, the shots can produce remarkable results. Most kiddos start to show signs of improvement within the first year, but the best results usually pop up in years two and three.
Do Cat Allergy Shots Work?
Cat allergy shots, like other types of allergy immunotherapy, are incredibly effective. They can work wonders in reducing your kiddo’s sensitivity to cats, especially if you’re in it for the long haul. Countless studies done on allergy immunotherapy showcase its remarkable efficacy, so if you want to learn more about it, there’s no shortage of resources.
Understanding the Role of Cat Allergy Shots
If your kiddo has cat allergies, you’re probably all too familiar with how challenging it can be to manage their symptoms. With help from cat allergy shots, you can help them find relief from those annoying and uncomfortable allergy symptoms.
While allergy shots aren’t a complete cure, they can go a long way in improving your child’s quality of life when they’re around cats. Symptoms usually ebb considerably, allowing people to experience places and things they previously couldn’t. So, if your little one is a cat lover but can’t hang out with these furry creatures due to allergies, cat allergy shots can be life-changing.
Wave Goodbye to Cat Allergies With AIT
If your child struggles with cat allergies, cat allergy shots can be an excellent solution to help them find relief. While these shots aren’t a quick fix or a complete cure, they can make a world of difference in the severity of their allergy, possibly even allowing them to be around cats without being miserable. Of course, every child is different, so the results may vary.
If you’re considering cat allergy shots for your kiddo, talk to their healthcare provider. Their doctor can offer input based on their medical history and needs, helping you choose the perfect fit to help them live out their dreams of living with a furry friend.
