How often a title can be misleading! So, in fact, there were curious cases with guinea pigs, which people who bought them, without hesitation, threw into baths with water or aquariums, sincerely believing that since they are marine, then they should exist in an aquatic environment.
However, these rodents acquired their “sea” name rather from the combination “from across the sea” (more precisely, from across the ocean), since in ancient times they were brought from there. Maybe this moment has no connection with the question of whether there is an allergy to guinea pigs, or maybe there is some kind of rational grain here - allergies appear in the most unexpected situations and from the most unexpected things.
Sad as it may seem, but a cute rodent may well become the cause of an allergy... Through no fault of their own, however. Such a predisposition is capable of "nesting" in the host's organism, which cannot tolerate a certain protein component.
The pig's fur, and skin scales, and waste products, and even saliva, containing this allergen-containing component, are capable of provoking the cause of an allergy or its aggravation.
Particles of allergens "overseas" origin - the smallest, literally reach 0.8 microns. They can float in the air for quite a long time, but they usually get into it from the urine of a rodent.
Allergic manifestations occur both through direct contact with a pet and when inhaled together with dust particles of animal dandruff. So the popular belief that an allergy occurs only to the hair of a guinea pig is groundless: symptoms of the disease can occur only with direct contact with wool.
In addition, the basis of the "pig" feed is a whole herbal set of dry plants or compound feed, and some of their components are also allergens. And when asked whether certain types of food cause a negative reaction, we can safely say: yes!
How does it manifest?
The clinical picture of an allergic reaction may appear in the first few days after acquiring a new tenant.
Each person has symptoms differently, but if any of the following occurs, then this is a serious reason to consult a doctor.
The most common symptom is a skin rash that resembles atopic dermatitis or hives. As a rule, it is accompanied by itching. Also the skin can become excessively dry and even crack in the place where it came into contact with the allergen... There may be simple redness: see similar symptoms in the photo on the right.
Other frequent manifestations of allergy include lesions of the mucous membranes of the eyes or nose, as well as the respiratory system, which are expressed in the following:
- conjunctivitis of allergic etiology;
- rhinitis;
- obstructed exhalation, shortness of breath, dry cough, wheezing and even asthma attacks, reminiscent of the clinic of bronchial asthma.
Allergic symptoms are the same in children and adults... With conjunctivitis, the vessels of the conjunctiva dilate, therefore, redness of the mucous membrane is observed, the eyelids swell, the eyes itch, and tear. Sometimes in the area of the eyeball, there is a burning sensation and pain.
"Hay fever", as allergic rhinitis is also called, is similar in clinical presentation to the usual infectious: the same runny nose and sneezing, nasal congestion and itching. But, unlike the constantly growing infectious, allergic rhinitis occurs very quickly and is not accompanied by fever, headache and muscle pain.
Its main characteristic feature is literally streams from the nasal passages, often in combination with conjunctivitis. But the most striking feature: remove the suspected allergen - and the runny nose will stop(or will resume when the stimulus returns).
So, many questions can cause allergies if there are no guinea pigs in the house. And to start sneezing and coughing - seemingly for no reason - a person can be visiting, playing with the owner's pet. This is a clear signal: there is a predisposition to "pig" allergy.
What to do if you suspect the cause of the allergy in the presence of a guinea pig in the apartment? For this it is worth contacting an allergist and make special samples and blood tests to help identify the culprit.
Who shouldn't have an animal?
Some people believe that if a person is allergic to dogs and cats, then this also automatically applies to the guinea pig. But research has shown that the allergens of those and other animals are not related in any way. However, in this case too you need to know about the restrictions on the content of this cute rodent:
- weakened immunity;
- frequent colds;
- the presence of chronic diseases;
- pregnancy - then the body has a special predisposition to allergies;
- the infant age of the young tenants of the apartment.
Children, especially small ones, always have a great desire to have a toy animal. But it is better to wait with this, waiting for the child to grow up a little and get stronger.
How to treat?
The tests made were positive or the content of histamine in the blood increased. It is necessary to start treatment. Without a doubt, you should not do this at your own peril and risk. Only a doctor can determine which of the existing anti-allergic drugs to prescribe you.
First of all, these will be antihistamines. The most famous and widespread are Pipolfen, Suprastin, Tavegil. But experts recommend the third generation of such medicines: they act more gently, and are devoid of many side effects. Among others, you can name:
- "Zirtek",
- Telfast,
- Erius.
The first one fights well with skin rashes, but it also relieves well other symptoms that have arisen from contact with a guinea pig. These pills have several side effects that you should be aware of before purchasing.
Telfast is intended only for adults and children over 6 years of age... Experts call it the most effective and safest.
The third drug - "Erius" - in the form of tablets is designed for adults and older children, and children are offered in the form of a syrup.
Antihistamines can also be used for prophylactic purposes - in half the dose, if there is a need for close contact with the animal.
If in the course of treatment a so-called contact allergy occurs, then first of all it is necessary to wash off the allergen from the skin, and then, if necessary, apply an antihistamine ointment to this place.
To get rid of allergies, a type of treatment such as immunotherapy is also used. In the course of it, a minimum dose of the allergen is initially subcutaneously injected into the patient's body. If an acute reaction is not observed, the dose is gradually increased.
Treatment is carried out individually and is not only symptomatic, but also complex - to strengthen the immune system, a vitamin-mineral complex is prescribed in parallel.
How to prevent the onset of the disease?
The most radical way to avoid allergies is not to have this animal at all or not to come into contact with it. But the child has a tender affection for him, and, of course, the child does not understand how you suffer from such a neighborhood. There are several steps to consider as a compromise solution.
Firstly, daily wet cleaning in the apartment - your own, and regular - in the pig's cage, as well as regular bathing of the rodent.
The ideal option is not to clean the cage yourself, but if there are no real helpers, then it makes sense not to communicate with the animal directly. It is best to protect yourself with long sleeves and gloves. Clothes after contact with a guinea pig or cleaning its cage should definitely be changed., and wash your hands in the most thorough way.
If you need to get your pig out of the cage, keep it away from your face or use a gauze bandage.
And purely tactical moments: do not put a cage with an animal in the bedroom; do not let it out on upholstered furniture; Get an air filter or air purifier close to the cage to reduce the concentration of the allergen in the air.
It turned out that the allergy is not to the animal itself, but to hay, i.e. cereal meadow plants, on his "living space"? Try to replace this collection with a composition of other herbs and be sure to pay attention to its quality. Hay should not be:
- brown
- dusty,
- old.
Let the experts tell you how to distinguish it correctly.
A guinea pig, despite its seeming cuteness, can cause a lot of trouble to its owners. if you know that it can cause allergies in people prone to such a reaction. The disease is quite serious and dangerous and requires persistent and long-term treatment.
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So the decision to get a guinea pig should not be made right off the bat, this issue must be approached carefully and reasonably, and if you really want to have such an animal at home, then it is best to do this after passing all allergic tests. So that it would not be excruciatingly painful later - both for yourself and for the one who was tamed.
In contact with
With constant contact with pets, some people may develop an allergic reaction to the animal. Guinea pigs are no exception. Allergy to guinea pig manifests itself in different ways, so it can have a variety of signs and treatments. The disease can appear during direct contact, or in the absence of it. It is possible that the allergens are in your pet's bedding.
Guinea pig allergies can occur due to the following allergens:
- Cav p 1,
- Cav p 2,
- Cav p 3,
- Cav p 4,
which represent the protein contained:
- in pet saliva,
- his wool,
- dandruff
- or urine.
Since allergens are in the form of small particles, they may well remain in the air for a very long period of time.
Signs of an allergic reaction to pets
To understand whether there can be an allergy to a guinea pig, you need to pay attention to your health.
The appearance of such signs is possible:
- Conjunctivitis. Redness of the eyes, itching and watery eyes appear.
- Dermatitis. Peeling of the skin occurs, as well as its redness.
- Asthma. A dry cough appears, as well as difficulty breathing.
- Rhinitis. Causes nasal congestion as well as sneezing and runny nose.
Pet Allergy Test Methods
When a question arises whether there is an allergy to guinea pigs, a special allergic test can be done, due to which an allergic reaction will manifest itself. This procedure is carried out in the laboratory using specialized equipment.
During the analysis, an allergen is applied to the skin, however, before application, the skin area is disinfected, after which a small scratch is made. Further, experts enter the allergen, glycerin and histamine into the resulting wound, after which they expect a reaction to occur. In the event that after 15 minutes redness or slight swelling appears on the skin, an allergy to the pet is present. Another way to determine the presence of allergies is to donate blood for the presence of antibodies.
Treatments for allergy to domestic guinea pigs
To get rid of allergies, you must first limit communication with your guinea pig. You should also take special medications that suppress the allergic reaction. However, it must be borne in mind that it is almost impossible to get rid of allergies completely.
It is best to see a doctor who will prescribe active medications. The doctor will immediately prescribe antihistamines. Medicines such as Zyrtec, Telfast, Erius, L-cet also work great. However, you cannot take them without first consulting a doctor.
Preventive measures for allergies
It must be remembered that allergy to guinea pig in children and adults can also arise from the litter and hair of the animal. To avoid such an outcome, you need to take preventive measures:
- Purchase an air purifier.
- Washing hands after each contact with the pet, as well as after cleaning the animal's cage.
- Do not keep your pet in the bedroom.
- Keep contact with the animal to a minimum.
- Clean the room where the pet is kept more often.
- Change clothes more often.
- Pick up hairless.
Sometimes the cause of allergies can be the flooring in the cage, namely its components, such as sawdust, or hay. In this case, the bedding should be changed.
Guinea pigs belong to the class of mammals and the order of rodents. They are characterized by white, brown or multi-colored coloration, and the coat is fluffy and long or short, hard and thick. The name of the breed, at first glance, can be considered strange: the animal is afraid of water and does not even have a distant relationship with a pig.
However, in fact, the first part came from the shortened word "overseas", which means "brought from afar" - the historical homeland of rodents is not Europe at all, but South America. The second is even easier to explain: demanding food or the attention of the owner, the animal makes sounds resembling grunting. Due to its small size, unpretentiousness in keeping conditions and an adorable appearance, many people choose it as a pet. However, both children and adults can develop an allergy to guinea pig - it is manifested by respiratory disorders, adverse changes in the skin and mucous membranes.
Causes
People predisposed to individual sensitivity reactions are forced to abandon the maintenance of many pets - someone sneezes next to dogs, someone finds it difficult to breathe after harvesting a parrot's cage. And guinea pigs can also be allergic - if the immune system of a person in contact with it perceives it as a potential threat:
- Skin scales, wool.
- Saliva.
- Urine, feces.
All these media contain proteins (proteins) to which a specific sensitivity (sensitization) is formed; in response to their entry into the body, even in small quantities, protective complexes are released that are involved in the development of an allergic reaction - antibodies.
In addition, people may experience intolerances:
- feed components;
- toilet filler;
- litter;
- care products for wool.
Dust is the cause of sensitivity - it settles in the cage, on surfaces in the house, on clothes and shoes, and even on the animal itself if not properly cared for. Rising into the air, it contains tiny particles of wool, saliva and secretions that enter the human respiratory tract.
Is the allergy breed specific?
There are many varieties of guinea pigs - each person can choose the most attractive animal for him:
Of course, it is hard to deny that it is easier to notice fleas on an animal without a fluffy coat, it is easier to care for it - including bathing; there is no need for constant combing. However, if saliva or other discharge is the cause of sensitivity, even bald pets are dangerous to health, and should not be started at home. Any guinea pig has an allergic potential, that is, the ability to provoke intolerance reactions - and susceptibility to it does not depend on the breed, but on the characteristics of the immune system of a particular person.
Symptoms
The guinea pig is an animal that is often picked up. At the same time, a person imperceptibly for himself inhales allergens, and also transfers them from the pet's fur to his own skin, mucous membranes. Reaction signs can be divided into several main groups:
- Dermal.
- Catarrhal.
- Quincke's edema.
- Bronchospasm.
They are observed not only separately, but also in combination, the severity of the course is different - sometimes the symptoms are mild and quickly disappear after the termination of contact with the animal, in other cases they can pose a serious threat to the health and even the life of the patient.
Skin manifestations
These are various signs of dermatitis that occur immediately upon contact with allergens or some time after it (after a few hours):
- redness;
- edema;
- the presence of a rash (blisters, blisters, spots);
- peeling;
- feeling of dryness, tightness.
Hives are likely - in this case, blisters form on the surface of the reddened and swollen skin. They itch very much, can cover the entire body as a whole, but more often they affect individual areas. They appear and disappear suddenly, with no scarring or secondary elements of the rash. At the same time, there is an increase in body temperature, weakness, headache. This type of dermatitis is an example of an immediate type of allergic reaction.
With a delayed version of the course, dryness, the occurrence of itchy spots and blisters, swelling and redness are more characteristic. These signs persist for several days, regress gradually, and can cause significant discomfort to the patient.
Catarrhal manifestations
A group of signs characterized by changes in the mucous membranes:
- nose (rhinitis);
- pharynx (pharyngitis);
- eye (conjunctivitis)
The following symptoms of guinea pig allergy are observed:
- Coryza, with liquid, transparent discharge.
- Sneezing, coughing, sore throat.
- Redness of the eyes, itching and swelling of the eyelids, profuse discharge of lacrimal fluid.
The syndromes of rhinitis, pharyngitis and conjunctivitis are often combined with each other, their signs appear within a few minutes after contact with an animal; cutaneous manifestations can also join them. Sometimes the reaction is so pronounced that the patient completely loses the ability to breathe through the nose or is faced with swelling of the eyelids, which does not allow opening the eyes.
Quincke's edema
This is a type of immediate-type allergic reaction in which swelling develops:
- mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, etc.
The edema has a dense consistency, it can be asymmetric. Symptoms range from burning and swelling of the affected areas to abdominal pain and respiratory distress. Localization in the larynx is considered the most dangerous: this area has a narrow lumen, and the resulting swelling interferes with the passage of air, creating the prerequisites for the development of asphyxia - suffocation. Objectively, the process is characterized by:
- Hoarseness of voice.
- "Barking" cough.
- Increasing shortness of breath.
- Dizziness, weakness, panic.
The patient breathes noisily, with difficulty pushing air into the lungs; his face first becomes cyanotic (cyanotic), then a pale shade, there is a serious risk to life. Even after the relief (cessation) of the symptoms of Quincke's edema with the help of drugs, hoarseness and discomfort in the throat persist for some time.
Bronchospasm
With this variant of the course of an allergic reaction, the lumen of the lower respiratory tract narrows - respiratory failure develops. The main symptoms are:
- dyspnea;
- feeling short of breath, choking;
- chest congestion;
- dry, paroxysmal cough without phlegm or with a small amount of it;
- noisy breathing, audible even at a distance from the patient;
- wheezing in the lungs.
Shortness of breath with bronchospasm differs in that during its development it is mainly difficult to exhale.
To facilitate the movement of the chest, the patient can rest his hands on a stable surface. The body temperature remains normal, the skin is cyanotic or pale.
Diagnostics
To determine if a person is allergic to guinea pigs, you can use different methods - it is more convenient to describe them in the table:
| Study title | Method essence | Peculiarities of results interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Taking anamnesis | Clarification of data regarding the time of onset and duration of symptoms persistence, animal intolerance in close relatives, etc. | Allows you to compare an episode of deterioration in well-being and the presence of circumstances explaining the connection with contact with a guinea pig |
| Skin tests | Involves the application of special solutions to the forearm or back with potential rodent allergens | If redness, swelling, itching, blistering appears, the test confirms the diagnosis of sensitivity |
| Clinical blood test | A general study, in which the leukocyte formula is of greatest interest | An increase in the content of eosinophils (up to 5% or more) is an indirect sign of the presence of an immune response |
| Determination of antibodies | One of the most accurate tests, during which the search for specific protective immune complexes is carried out | Detection of antibodies allows us to talk about an accurate diagnosis of allergies |
You need to understand that the results of tests, both laboratory and skin, can be influenced by various factors:
Therefore, it is necessary to prepare for conducting research, trying to either eliminate distorting factors, or choose methods that are insensitive to them.
Treatment
It is not always correct to call an allergy a chronic process, given that in some cases it is possible to achieve the absence of symptoms if certain conditions are met. However, if antibodies are present, they are immediately activated upon contact with a provoking substance - therefore, the disease is persistent, permanent.
Elimination activities
This is a set of actions aimed at stopping contact with antigens - substances that trigger the start of a sensitivity reaction. If the source is a guinea pig, there is only one way out - to refuse content. Some people who do not want to part with the animal try the method of partial elimination: the pet stays in the house, but a healthy family member takes care of it. However, this is a temporary measure, and it is only suitable for those who do not experience severe symptoms - especially if the pet travels around the house, leaving particles of skin, wool and secretions on floors, sofas and other surfaces.
People suffering from food and bedding intolerance should exclude contact with those components that cause them a reaction - for example, with fresh vegetables and fruits, grains, etc. You can keep a guinea pig if, after replacing the provoking ingredients with safe symptoms, they disappeared.
You also need:
All these activities should be carried out constantly. An allergic person should not be involved in cleaning, bathing, combing - even if the cause of the reaction was not an animal, but food or other irritants, it is highly undesirable to increase the concentration of potential provocateurs in the inhaled air or on the skin.
Diet
In the acute period of the reaction, it is required to avoid the use of:
- Citrus fruits.
- Nuts.
- Tomatoes.
- Peanuts.
- Chocolate.
- Mushrooms.
- Milk.
- Hot spices.
- Sausage products.
- Honey.
- Canned food, etc.
All products with a high or medium allergic potential are excluded - this is done, firstly, to reduce the load on the body, and secondly, to prevent the development of additional reactions of intolerance, the risk of which seriously increases.
Food should be steamed, boiled, and baked in the oven instead of frying. It is worth introducing dull fruits and vegetables into the diet - preferably in a thermally processed form (allergenic proteins in them are destroyed), as well as lean meats and fish. Whole milk is prohibited, but you can eat cottage cheese, low-fat sour cream, drink kefir and yogurt. It is important to maintain fluid balance by drinking water without gas.
Drug therapy
Treatment with pharmacological drugs is necessary to relieve the signs of an acute reaction and take a course during the period of subsiding symptoms to prevent the development of complications. The scheme may include drugs such as:
- antihistamines (Cetrin, Eden);
- topical glucocorticosteroids (Mometasone, Elokom);
- beta2-agonists (Salbutamol) and others.
They are available in the form of tablets, ointments and creams, inhalation aerosols. For emergency care, injectable forms of Prednisolone, Dexamethasone, Adrenaline, Suprastin, etc. are used.
The main drug is drugs from the group of histamine H1 receptor blockers - tablets should be carried by every patient with allergies.
These are Cetirizine, Zyrtec, Erius and other agents that help eliminate skin and catarrhal symptoms, complement therapy in the treatment of Quincke's edema and other pathologies associated with a reaction to a rodent. Medicines can be taken at the first sign of sensitivity, in order to weaken their intensity or stop altogether. Topical glucocorticosteroids are indicated in the presence of dermatitis, beta2-agonists - to combat bronchospasm.
Love for cute animals wakes up in people from childhood. At a young age, children persistently ask their parents to have a pet, but sometimes even the most harmless animals can provoke a negative reaction of the body. How to tell if a home allergen is pet, and how an allergy to guinea pigs manifests itself, we will figure it out in this article.
Allergy Causes
An unfavorable reaction of the body can be caused by many factors, ranging from the animal itself to the objects of its keeping (dust emanating from sawdust or hay, food, etc.). It is believed that allergy to guinea pigs can be more caused by tactile contact when touching the coat, but there are a number of other reasons.
The causative agents of allergies include the following:
- Keratin secreted in the saliva or excrement of the guinea pig.
- Animal sweat.
- Dandruff.
- Rodent skin.
A protective reaction in the form of an allergy in the human body is caused by the production of class E immunoglobulin from the pet's mast cells (antibodies that our body perceives as foreign). They are located on the subcutaneous tissue, on the mucous membranes, near the blood vessels, next to the lymph nodes, in the spleen.
Who can get allergies?
Answering the question whether there is an allergy to guinea pigs, it should be noted that, of course, it happens, but not all of them are susceptible to it. To test your reaction organism, before starting an animal, you can tinker with other people's pets, which is also not entirely safe. The best way is to take a special allergy test.
Usually, a tendency to painful irritation is detected in children or adults with weakened immune systems. And also signs of allergies can appear in pregnant women, they personally should protect themselves from any contact with the animal.
It is important to understand that dogs, cats and rodents can be very different. Do not assume that if you are allergic to a guinea pig, the same will happen in contact with other animals, and the opposite is true. The fact is that these animals have a different structure of wool, smell, etc.
With the help of medical examinations, you can check in advance if a person is allergic to guinea pigs.
Signs of the disease
Symptoms of a guinea pig allergy that occur with tactile contact:
- Irritation, redness, rash on the body. May be accompanied by itchy skin.
- Swelling in the eyelids, redness of the mucous membranes, pain and burning sensation in the eye area, profuse lachrymation.
- Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing.
- Dry cough, sneezing, runny nose, itching in the nose and throat.
- Dry skin.
Allergy to guinea pigs usually manifests itself immediately after the first contact, sometimes in the first 2-3 days. Of all the signs of allergies, one thing can appear, so you need to be very careful. If at least one symptom appears after contact with an animal, you should immediately contact an allergist. Allergy to guinea pigs in children and adults has the same symptoms.
First aid for detecting allergies
Having found signs of allergies, you should immediately protect the victim from the animal. Then take antiallergenic drugs and call a doctor at home.
While waiting for the ambulance team, it is worth changing into clean clothes, since the irritant can be on the clothes and further provoke a negative reaction. If it is difficult for a person to stand with difficulty breathing, he should be comfortably placed on the bed and ensure maximum access to fresh air.
If the victim is afraid, you need to talk to him and immediately reassure him. A negative mental state and emotional outburst can aggravate the situation, especially if a person is experiencing an allergic attack for the first time. Then everything will depend on the recommendations of the doctors.
Prevention methods
The surest and most effective way to overcome the disease is to try to avoid contact with the animal, or at least to make it minimal.
To prevent guinea pigs from causing allergies, you should:
- Move the cage away from the bedroom.
- Do not touch the rodent without protection. In case of contact, gloves and a respirator may be worn.
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after contact.
- Do not bring it close to your face.
- Shift responsibility for caring for the animal onto other family members.
- Use an air purifier.
- Be careful when choosing hay or sawdust.
- Do not place your pet on furniture.
- Bathe your pet regularly and provide daily cleaning.
- Change into different clothes when cleaning the cage.
- By adhering to a few tips, you can protect your health.
It so happens that the allergy is caused not by guinea pigs, but by the filler in the cage. If this is the case, you should replace sawdust or hay with special absorbent rugs or oilcloth.
Diagnosing allergies
Diagnosis of guinea pig allergies can be performed using diagnostic procedures. For this, they are taken Thus, doctors determine what is the real irritant for the disease.
This method applies only to those people who do not suffer from asthma, urticaria, blood and liver diseases, heart disease, acute chronic diseases, sore throat and colds. Also, this method will be denied to people who are taking hormonal drugs.
There is another way to determine allergies, in which a blood test is taken for the content of IgE antibodies. During research, doctors determine how the body responds to epidermal and animal proteins.
Treatment
Pigs can also be treated at home, if there is confidence that the reason for the negative reaction of the body is precisely being near the animal. In this case, it is better for the pet to determine another location, otherwise long-term persistent treatment may remain without result.
If obvious symptoms are found, the following antihistamines should be used for treatment:
- "Erius". The drug is in the form of tablets or syrup. Helps in a short time to cope with physical ailments associated with allergies. Has no side effects. However, before using it, you should make sure that there is no individual intolerance.
- "Ksizal". It is used to neutralize all types of allergies. Can be taken by children from 2 years of age. Should not be taken during pregnancy.
- "Zyrtek". Relieves some of the manifestations of negative reactions. Allowed for babies from 6 months of age.
- "L-cet". Helps relieve swelling in case of allergies, improve nasal breathing, and reduce other symptoms. Suitable for adults and children from 6 years old.
To get rid of rashes and redness of the skin, creams and ointments are used.
If even minor signs of allergy appear, it is still strongly recommended to consult a doctor to be sure of the causes of the disease and receive recommendations for treatment.
Are there non-allergenic guinea pig breeds?
Faced with the fact that guinea pigs cause allergies, many are asking the question: are there breeds to which the body will respond normally?
Of course, if the coat causes allergic reactions, then you can choose another, less fluffy breed. But when it comes to enzymes that the animal secretes, then it makes no sense to look for an alternative. You can get another animal, making sure that allergies are excluded from contact with it.
Animals are not to blame for the fact that people can experience unpleasant consequences. In no case should you treat them as "distributors of infection". Many people have a predisposition to one or another natural trait of animals. Someone does not tolerate the smell of dogs, others do not have cats because of their wool, someone does not suit rodents.
How do I care for my animals to minimize the likelihood of allergies?
It is best if a family member who is well tolerated by contact with an animal will take care of your beloved mumps. The first rule is to keep the crate and the pet itself clean. That is, wet cleaning and cleaning the cage should be regular, if not daily. You should also bathe the animal more often, but here you need to understand how useful it is for him, and observe temperature regimes so that the pet does not get sick. Only the highest quality filler should be used. It is unlikely to cause a negative reaction in the body. The pet store will tell you what types of filler are suitable for guinea pigs. It is necessary to ventilate the room and clean the air in the apartment regularly so that harmful substances do not linger in the room for a long time.
According to experts, people often call them and ask: do guinea pigs cause allergies? In fact, an allergic person can be allergic to anything - and to the guinea pigs themselves, and to the dust from the sawdust used for its maintenance, and to hay, its wool, and even to the compound feed that the domestic rodent eats.
Before you get a guinea pig, you should first ask your doctor if you are allergic to any of the above. If there are people in your family who are susceptible to allergies, believe me, you don't even have to have such a small animal like a guinea pig, hoping ... that suddenly nothing happens. As a rule, such manipulations end with the pig being given to other owners. Do not stress yourself or your animal.
Also, if you plan to replenish your family, it is advisable to postpone the purchase of a guinea pig. Since allergies are very often manifested during pregnancy in those women who were not at all prone to allergies.
Quite often it happens that people who have it do not have an allergy to guinea pigs, and vice versa. But in order to know for sure whether you can have a small rodent at home, it is better to hand it over.
Allergy sufferers should remember that a guinea pig can not only amuse its owner, but also cause a dangerous serious illness, which in the future will be cured for a long time and persistently by an allergist.
Causes of the disease
There is a misconception that an allergy to guinea pigs is expressed by a person's reaction directly to the wool of these animals, but in reality this is far from the case. The main allergen is found in the dead "husk" on the skin of this animal, as well as, to a lesser extent, in its urine and saliva - these are the main ones on the guinea pig. The husk comes into direct contact with the patient's skin, enters his respiratory tract in the process of inhaling air, as a result of which all the symptoms of the disease soon appear on the face.
The manifestation of the disease
It is fair to say that in a large number of clinical cases, the guinea pig occurs rather quickly - in the first days of direct contact with a rodent or coexistence with it. However, in almost all allergy sufferers, this aggravation begins in different ways. Some experience severe discomfort, as an allergy manifests itself in the form of itching (most often a rash on the face) and significant swelling in the eye area. Many allergy sufferers experience dry skin with subsequent cracks in problem areas. There were also cases when the patient could not cope on his own with systematic attacks of severe suffocating cough.
Symptoms of this allergy
- dry ;
- sneezing and excessive tearing;
- sudden;
- dyspnea;
- redness and itching of the mucous membrane of the eyes;
- , skin redness, urticaria.
If the above on guinea pigs are manifested by contact with a domestic guinea pig or objects that it has ever touched (sawdust in a cage, bedding, etc.), a blood test should also be taken.
Prophylaxis
A person, in whose life at least once an allergy to guinea pigs has been officially identified, should clearly understand that such a phenomenon can recur periodically and therefore should, by all means, get rid of this allergen. Still, health is more important.
Allergy treatment
Naturally, the guinea pig must be carried out in a timely manner. And the sooner this pathology is detected, the more likely it is to be cured completely. After eliminating this pathogenic allergen, the allergist determines an alternative treatment regimen itself, which includes a list of drugs for external and internal use. This treatment is mainly carried out in a complex and is selected based on the characteristics of each organism, however, it necessarily includes a vitamin and mineral complex. It is necessary to strengthen the immune system.
Allergy medications
- "" ("Chloropyramine");
- "" ("Clemastine");
- "" ("Promethazine").
Sometimes, even such a cute-looking "little animal" can lead to a serious anomaly of the human body, which is very difficult to cure, which is why you should pay attention to the choice of pets, so as not to think about where they can be attached.
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