Although sneezing, nasal congestion, and itching are more common
symptoms, it is possible that headaches and dizziness may be the main
symptoms of an allergic reaction.
"Only a small percentage who suffer from allergies or chemical
sensitivities experience headaches as their primary symptom. But there
are those, like myself, who do. Allergic headaches are usually
attributed to certain foods, but are also triggered by airborne
substances such as pollens, mold spores, or chemical fragrances. The
sinuses and nasal passages become irritated by both food allergens and
inhalant allergens. Although all headaches triggered by these
substances may not be considered true allergic headaches, they are,
however, headaches that happen to be triggered by these substances...
Sinus obstruction can be caused by allergic reactions to things like
airborne pollens, dust, animal dander, molds, as well as foods."
About Allergies
http://allergies.about.com/library/weekly/aa100900a.htm
"Of the many symptoms of allergy sufferers, headaches are perhaps the
most painful and debilitating. There are two types of headaches
associated with allergies.
The first type is a sinus (SINE-us) headache seen in people suffering
from sinusitis (sine-uh-SITE-is), perhaps the most frequent cause of
headaches in people with allergies. Symptoms include pressure in the
forehead and cheeks, as well as behind the eyes.
You might also experience tooth pain and yellow or green nasal mucus.
The second type of headache related to allergies is a migraine. This
can sometimes be triggered by reactions to foods or food additives and
tends to occur on a regular basis."
Knoxville News Sentinel
http://web.knoxnews.com/health/allergy/general/headaches.shtml
"A small number of allergy patients has headache as a primary symptom.
You should suspect that allergy is the cause of your headache if it
occurs only upon exposure to a certain environment or only after
eating a certain food. An example of this allergic headache would be a
person who develops headache when exposed to highly scented
cosmetics."
Web MD
http://my.webmd.com/content/article/4/1680_51343
"The immediate symptoms of a respiratory allergy can be eye
irritation, nasal stuffiness, a streaming nose or an itchy throat. The
delayed symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness,
fever, and vomiting, leading to unproductive coughing and breathing
difficulties."
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food
http://www.gov.on.ca/OMAFRA/english/livestock/swine/facts/93-003.htm
If you determine that your dog is the source of your symptoms, rest
assured that this does not mean you must give up your pet. There are
several new prescription antihistamines and many expensive options
such as HEPA filters, but one of the simplest, safest, and least
expensive options is simple: a doggie bath.
Many allergic symptoms are caused not by our pets' hair, but by bodily
secretions on the hair (that is why cats often cause more allergic
reactions than dogs, since cats lick themselves and spread certain
substances from their saliva onto their fur.)
"Household pets are the most common source of allergic reactions to
animals. Many people think that pet allergy is provoked by the fur of
cats and dogs. But researchers have found that the major allergens are
proteins secreted by oil glands in the animals' skin and shed in
dander as well as proteins in the saliva, which sticks to the fur when
the animal licks itself. Urine is also a source of allergy-causing
proteins. When the substance carrying the proteins dries, the proteins
can then float into the air."
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: Animal Allergy
http://www.niaid.nih.gov/publications/allergens/animal.htm
Here are several sites which offer useful advice about lessening the
number of pet allergens in your home. Some of these sites sell HEPA
filters and antihistamine products, but the advice is good even if you
don't buy the merchandise:
Rhinocort Aqua: Pet Allergies
http://www.rhinocortaqua.com/c/year_round/pet.asp
Achoo Allergy & Air Products: Dander
http://www.achooallergy.com/index.asp?pageid=1006
The Breathing Company: Pets
http://www.thebreathingcompany.com/pets.htm
Allergy Be Gone: Decreasing Pet Dander Exposure
http://www.allergybegone.com/decpetdanex.html
Allergy Buyers' Club: Pet Allergies FAQ
http://www.allergybuyersclub.com/faqs/petallergy.shtml
American Lung Association: Tips on Reducing Asthma and Allergy
Symptoms Triggered by Pets
http://www.lungusa.org/press/envir/air_041201.html
The best advice I can give (other than recommending over-the-counter
antihistamines and a HEPA filter, if you can afford it) is to reduce
the amount of airborne allergens by bathing your pet frequently, using
one of the new special pet shampoos specifically designed to remove
dander, as well as the oils and proteins that can cause allergic
reactions. Fortunately, most dogs enjoy a bath (some even like to go
into the shower!)
You can also clean and dust your house with special products which
will neutralize the allergens on household surfaces (these products
will not harm your dog, but they are not designed to be applied
directly to the animal's coat.)
Here are some products that are applied to the pet:
Online Allergy Relief: Pet Dander Control Products
http://www.onlineallergyrelief.com/pets/pets.html
Allerx Allergy Products: Aller-Rx Pet Shampoo
http://www.allerx.com/alrxpets.htm
Health Goods: Dander-Seal for Pets
http://www.healthgoods.com/Shopping/Allergen_Control_Products/Allergen_Treatments.asp
The Allergy Warehouse offers two products that are used in
housecleaning:
Allergy Warehouse: Allerdust, Allersearch ADS Allergen Spray
http://www.allergywarehouse.com/allergy-asthma-control-products.htm
Search terms used:
pet allergy
respiratory allergy
animal dander
allergen(s)
allergic headache(s)
lightheadedness
dizziness
primary symptom(s)
main symptom(s)
Please keep in mind that Google Answers is not a source of
authoritative medical advice; the material I've presented is for
informational purposes only, and should not be viewed as a substitute
for the services of a medical professional. The best way to determine
whether your symptoms may be caused by an allergic reaction to your
dog is to undergo testing by an allergist. This kind of testing is
usually covered by health insurance.
If anything is unclear, or if a link does not function, please request
clarification before rating my answer, and I'll be glad to offer
further assistance.
Best wishes,
pinkfreud |
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