Is an allergy to pets hereditary?
February 10, 2024 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Petra Netz
Dear allergist,
My name is Jürgen Beck and I have a question regarding allergies to pets. Several members of my family have allergies, including to cats and dogs. I myself have been experiencing problems with sneezing fits, watery eyes, and difficulty breathing for some time, especially when I am around animals. I am worried that I may also be allergic to pets, as my symptoms worsened recently when I visited a friend who has a dog.
My question is: Is an allergy to pets hereditary? Could it be that my symptoms are due to a genetic predisposition? And if so, are there ways to treat or alleviate this allergy? I would like to know if it is possible for me to continue spending time with animals without constantly suffering from allergic reactions.
Thank you in advance for your help and expertise in this area.
Best regards,
Jürgen Beck
Dear Mr. Beck,
Thank you for your question regarding allergies to pets. It is understandable that you are concerned, especially if several family members already suffer from allergies. In relation to your question about whether pet allergies are hereditary, I can inform you that there is indeed a genetic component that can increase the risk of allergies. If parents are allergic, there is a higher likelihood that their children will also develop allergic reactions, whether it be to pets or other allergens. This is because children inherit genes from both parents and therefore also their genetic predispositions.
Regarding your own symptoms that worsened upon contact with dogs, it is quite possible that you are allergic to pets. The proteins in the skin flakes, saliva, and urine of animals can trigger allergic reactions, especially in individuals who already have a predisposition. Symptoms may include sneezing, watery eyes, difficulty breathing, and sometimes even skin rashes.
However, there are ways to manage a pet allergy. Firstly, it is important to undergo an allergy test to determine exactly which allergens you are sensitive to. Based on this, an individual treatment recommendation can be made. Common treatment options include antihistamines to relieve symptoms, nasal sprays to reduce inflammation, and immunotherapies aimed at desensitizing the immune system in the long term.
If you still wish to spend time with pets, there are some tips that can help minimize allergic reactions. These include regular vacuuming, washing pets, using air filters, and potentially avoiding bedrooms as pet-free zones.
Overall, it is important for you to consult an allergist and develop an individualized treatment strategy to control your allergy symptoms. With the right measures, it is indeed possible to continue spending time with pets without constantly suffering from allergic reactions.
I hope my response has been helpful to you. If you have any further questions, I am at your disposal.
Best regards,
Petra Netz
