For many people, cats are beloved pets that bring joy and companionship to their lives. However, for those who suffer from cat allergies, being around felines can be a nightmare. Cat allergies are common and cause a range of unpleasant symptoms, including itchy eyes, runny noses, and hives.
Fortunately, there’s a promising solution: cat allergy shots. In this blog, we’ll delve into the world of cat allergies and how cat allergy shots can help you enjoy time with your favorite feline symptom-free.
Cat Allergies: At a Glance
A cat allergy, like a food or pollen allergy, is a reaction in the body to a foreign substance, in this case, cats. While most people believe that cat fur is the problem, they are often allergic to the cat’s saliva or dander.
The dander is the dead skin cells the cat sheds to make room for new ones. It, like saliva, can become airborne and cling to various surfaces, including clothing, carpets, and furniture. Because of this, some people notice flare-ups of their symptoms when the cats aren’t around.
When your body comes into contact with the allergen, whether it’s dander, saliva, or fur, your antibodies jump into action. They send signals to cells that release specific chemicals, causing the symptoms you recognize as an allergic reaction.
These symptoms can include:
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Itchy, runny nose
- Sneezing
- Tongue swelling
- Rashes
- Hives
- Stomach cramps and nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- bloating
What Are Cat Allergy Shots?
Cat allergy shots are a type of allergy immunotherapy called subcutaneous immunotherapy. These shots are administered under the skin and contain a small, incrementally increasing dose of the allergen.
The exposure to the allergen helps desensitize the body to the allergen, “training” it to become less sensitive over time. It helps achieve an allergen-specific tolerance by reducing the production of the “blocking” antibodies that trigger the response.
So, over time and with consistent doses, you may find that you can spend time around cats with little to no reaction. Of course, everybody is different, so the results and timeline can vary. Most people begin to notice changes within the first year, but years two and three often yield the best results.
Do Cat Allergy Shots for Humans Work?
Cat allergy shots for humans can be highly effective in combatting pesky allergens, such as cat dander or saliva. It’s important to remember that the process takes time – you won’t see results overnight. However, for many cat lovers, the results are well worth the effort.
The Research Behind Allergy Immunotherapy
Allergy immunotherapy isn’t new to the allergy treatment scene. It’s been around for over a century, dating back to 1911. In the time since its introduction, researchers have conducted countless studies and trials to evaluate its merits and specifics.
Many of these studies and trials look at a specific type of immunotherapy or AIT as a whole, not specific allergens, although there are a few that do. The consensus across these studies is that AIT can be highly effective in combatting pesky allergies.
For example, a couple of research and clinical trials examined how effective repeated subcutaneous injections can be in achieving an allergen-specific tolerance. They found that AIT is incredibly effective for this purpose and can produce results that last beyond treatment discontinuation.
Another study focused on the long-term impact of AIT on allergic rhinitis, discovering that both types of AIT are effective in treating it. The clinical benefits and immunological changes the study documented were consistent with an allergen-specific tolerance.
These are just two glimpses into a vast pool of knowledge, teeming with countless studies, clinical trials, and research trials. If you want to learn more about AIT, sift through online studies or even published copies.
Closing Thoughts
While cat shots might not be a quick fix, they can be highly effective. For many cat lovers, the time and effort necessary to achieve excellent results is well worth the effort. By gradually desensitizing the body to cat allergens, these shots can help you live a more comfortable life, free of those pesky symptoms that once caused so much discomfort.
So, if you’re a cat lover who suffers from allergies, this might be the solution you’ve been looking for. As always, remember to talk to your doctor before moving forward with allergy immunotherapy. They can help you choose the best fit based on your medical history and allergies.
