How do you prepare for your doctor's visit?
So how do you know that cat dander is causing your sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, nasal congestion, itchy nose, postnasal drip, coughing, facial pressure, frequent awakening, skin rash, or swollen, blue-colored skin under your eyes? The only way to know for sure is to visit your immunologist. Prepare for the doctor's appointment by doing the following things.
· Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to allergy-like symptoms.
· Write down your family's history of allergy and asthma, including specific types of allergies if you know them.
· Make a list of all medications, as well as any vitamins or supplements, which you're taking.
· Ask if you should stop any medications, for example, antihistamines that would alter the results of an allergy skin test.
What tests can you expect?
During a skin test, tiny drops of allergen extracts, and animal proteins are pricked into your forearm or upper back. The drops are left on your skin for 15 minutes before your doctor or nurse observes your skin for signs of allergic reactions. If you develop a red, itchy bump where the cat extract was pricked into your skin, you are allergic to cat dander.
When a skin test cannot be performed because of the presence of a skin condition or because of interactions with certain medications, your doctor may administer a blood test. This test screens your blood for specific allergy-causing antibodies to cats.
Even if you don't own a cat, almost 28% of the homes in the US have at least one cat-sooner or later you will enter a home that has a cat. If you've been diagnosed with an allergy to cat dander, here are some things you can do to protect yourself.
· Use over the counter or prescriptions drugs to decrease your symptoms.
· Wear a mask when in contact with cats.
· Wash your face and hands after contact.
· Do not touch your face or eyes after contact.
· Change your clothes after being near cats.
· If weather permits, ask to open some windows.
· If available, sit on leather furniture.
· Ask to sit out on the deck or patio.
So how do you know that cat dander is causing your sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, nasal congestion, itchy nose, postnasal drip, coughing, facial pressure, frequent awakening, skin rash, or swollen, blue-colored skin under your eyes? The only way to know for sure is to visit your immunologist. Prepare for the doctor's appointment by doing the following things.
· Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to allergy-like symptoms.
· Write down your family's history of allergy and asthma, including specific types of allergies if you know them.
· Make a list of all medications, as well as any vitamins or supplements, which you're taking.
· Ask if you should stop any medications, for example, antihistamines that would alter the results of an allergy skin test.
What tests can you expect?
During a skin test, tiny drops of allergen extracts, and animal proteins are pricked into your forearm or upper back. The drops are left on your skin for 15 minutes before your doctor or nurse observes your skin for signs of allergic reactions. If you develop a red, itchy bump where the cat extract was pricked into your skin, you are allergic to cat dander.
When a skin test cannot be performed because of the presence of a skin condition or because of interactions with certain medications, your doctor may administer a blood test. This test screens your blood for specific allergy-causing antibodies to cats.
Even if you don't own a cat, almost 28% of the homes in the US have at least one cat-sooner or later you will enter a home that has a cat. If you've been diagnosed with an allergy to cat dander, here are some things you can do to protect yourself.
· Use over the counter or prescriptions drugs to decrease your symptoms.
· Wear a mask when in contact with cats.
· Wash your face and hands after contact.
· Do not touch your face or eyes after contact.
· Change your clothes after being near cats.
· If weather permits, ask to open some windows.
· If available, sit on leather furniture.
· Ask to sit out on the deck or patio.
It's best to ask before a visit if your host has a cat. If they know, they may vacuum and clean their house thoroughly. They may be willing to keep their cat in another room and put sheets on upholstered furniture. It's best to take your medication before entering the house. With these precautions your cat dander won't put a damper on your social life.http://www.allergy-zero.com/hypnosis-to-overcome-allergies/
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