Allergy symptoms are a kind of protective reaction of the body to external stimuli. Often this indicates an increased sensitivity of the body to some seemingly harmless components. The list of such irritants includes not only certain foods, pollen and dust, but also many pets. cats are considered the most common . But, allergies can also be provoked by such harmless animals as guinea pigs. And in order to start timely treatment, you need to know the symptoms of the disease.
Guinea pig allergy symptoms
Symptoms of an allergy to guinea pigs are manifested in each patient individually, and not always immediately. So, skin manifestations or a general malaise of the body may occur. Symptoms may be:
- Allergic rhinitis (runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing);
- allergic conjunctivitis;
- Attacks of dry cough;
- Dermatitis or hives;
- Itching and burning of some areas of the skin;
- Shortness of breath, wheezing in the chest.
In severe cases, anaphylactic shock or Quincke's edema may occur. Edema often affects the upper respiratory tract, thereby blocking the access of air to the lungs. May cause death from asphyxia. Quincke's edema also manifests itself in other parts of the body: arms, legs, chest, genitals, eyes. Thus, it is safe to say that allergies can cause death.
Causes of guinea pig allergy
It is generally accepted that allergies to animals, including guinea pigs, are provoked by their fur. But, this is not quite the right opinion. Allergy in humans is caused by a protein called keratin. It is excreted by the guinea pig with saliva, urine, excrement. Pathogens can also include dandruff, dead skin particles, sawdust in a cage of guinea pigs, animal feed.
It follows from this that the human body does not show allergy symptoms to the fur of guinea pigs, but to the protein produced by them. This reaction occurs against the background of increased production of class E immunoglobulin from mast cells. Mast cells are dispersed throughout the body: in the mucous membranes, bone marrow, subcutaneous tissue, lymph nodes, spleen, blood vessels.
The allergen simply destroys the integrity of these cells, allowing histamine to escape, which leads to the manifestation of symptoms. Histamine is a very active ingredient. Therefore, allergies, in particular to guinea pigs, are determined precisely by their activity. Often, in the presence of this ailment, there is a reaction to house dust.
How to treat a guinea pig allergy?
If you or your family members have signs of a guinea pig allergy, you should seek help from a specialist. After an appropriate diagnosis, treatment is prescribed. To do this, you need to undergo a series of simple tests - skin tests and a blood test. It is worth noting that you will need to abandon your pet in order to avoid repeated relapses. Even if the allergy is not clearly manifested.
Modern medicine uses immunotherapy to treat allergies. This method is quite effective. Its essence is the gradual introduction of an irritant into the body, which allows a person to get used to and begin to respond correctly to the component. But, there are some disadvantages of such treatment. Thus, immunotherapy takes a long period of time (up to one or two years). It is also required to carry out all injections and other manipulations only in the hospital under the supervision of a doctor. It is not always convenient to go to the clinic several times a week.
For the treatment of allergies to guinea pigs, experts recommend the use of third-generation antihistamines. These funds have a minimum number of side effects and contraindications. Many are allowed for both adults and small children. Their action is aimed at relieving allergy symptoms in a short period of time. Among these are the following:
| Zyrtec | Available in the form of tablets and drops. Allowed for children from six months. The drug relieves such manifestations of allergies: rhinitis, conjunctivitis, cough, Quincke's edema, anaphylactic shock, urticaria. Contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation. |
| Telfast | The drug blocks the release of histamine from mast cells. In childhood, allowed from the age of twelve. Sometimes causes headache, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, indigestion. |
| Erius | Erius is available in both tablet and syrup form. Therefore, the drug is used even by infants. Does not have a sedative effect on the body. Has high speed. Among the contraindications, only individual intolerance to some components is noted. |
| Xizal | The drug is used for all types of allergies. Eliminates urticaria and Quincke's edema in a short period of time. Used by children from the age of two. Contraindication is the period of pregnancy. |
| Elzet | The drug reduces the manifestations of allergies, frees nasal breathing, eliminates swelling in allergies. Does not have a sedative effect. Children are allowed from the age of six. |
As a rule, after elimination of the allergen (guinea pig), the allergy goes away by itself. If skin manifestations torment the patient for a long time, creams and ointments should be applied. Hormonal creams are prescribed in rare cases - when other drugs do not have the desired effect. The course of their use should not exceed five days, as they are addictive.
