If you are allergic to cats, you may experience mild symptoms such as sneezing or congestion, or you may have more severe symptoms such as a rash, tightness in your chest and throat and difficulty breathing. All of these symptoms occur due to your immune system overreacting to substances it perceives as dangerous. Certain medications for those with allergies to cats can relieve these symptoms.
Types
Prescription medicines for people allergic to cats include Singulair, which contains montelukast sodium, which treats asthma, and prednisone, a steroid. More and more prescription allergy medicines are becoming available as nonprescription. Nonprescription medicines that work for these types of allergies include the standard, familiar antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine hydrochloride (Benadryl), and newer formulas that are now available over the counter, such as cetirizine hydrochloride (Zyrtec) and loratadine (Claritin).
You can also find many allergy medications that have been combined with decongestants to further ease some symptoms.
Features
Allergic reactions occur when your body views a substance as an enemy invader. This causes the immune system to overreact and release extra histamines, leukotrienes and other substances that causes swelling, hives, excessive mucus production, itching and wheezing. Anti-allergy medicines work by blocking histamines or, in the case of montelukast sodium, by blocking leukotrienes.
Time Frame
Allergy pills usually take at least half an hour to begin working. Newer medicines, such as Claritin, Singulair and Zyrtec, should be taken only once daily and should keep symptoms at bay all day. Other antihistamines, such as Benadryl, may need to be taken more frequently.
Warning
Some allergic reactions require immediate assistance. Find help at once if you or another allergy sufferer has trouble breathing.
Diphenydramine and some other antihistamines cause drowsiness and therefore should not be used if you plan on driving or doing other activities that require alertness.
If you have other medical conditions, or are on other medications, make sure you ask your physician what allergy medicine is safest for you to use.
Considerations
If you are allergic to cats but don't want to get rid of your cats, there are extra methods you can take besides allergy medications to alleviate problems. Frequently vacuuming floors and furniture, wiping your cat with anti-allergy wipes (approved for use on cats) and using an air purifier are additional ways to cut down on substances that can cause allergic reactions.
Tags: allergic cats, allergic reactions, allergy medications, antihistamines such, immune system