Cat allergies can be a frustrating experience for both kids and their parents. From runny noses and itchy eyes to skin rashes and hives, the symptoms can be irritating at best. While there are treatments available that help dampen the symptoms, they don’t address the root cause: the allergy.
Luckily, allergy immunotherapy is available to help tackle that root problem. It’s a safe, effective treatment, making it a worthwhile consideration for parents with kids who have cat allergies
Understanding Cat Allergies in Kids
A cat allergy is much like any other allergy. Simply put, an allergy is the reaction our immune systems trigger when they encounter a foreign substance they deem harmful. These allergens are often harmless and may include pet dander, bee venom, pollen, and even various foods.
When our bodies come into contact with the allergen, our antibodies, or blood proteins that counteract a specific antigen, trigger a response. They communicate with cells that release chemicals, leading to allergic symptoms.
In kids, these symptoms often include:
- Skin rashes
- Hives
- Difficulty breathing
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Runny nose
- Itchy eyes
- Stomach upset
The Root Cause of Cat Allergies
Most people have a misconception that cat allergies are caused by the cat’s fur. While this can be true, it isn’t always the case. In most cat allergies, the allergy stems from the cat’s dander, which is skin cells the animal sheds to make room for new ones.
Dander can become airborne and may cling to various surfaces, like furniture or clothes, causing the allergic symptoms to flare up even when the cat isn’t in the room.
Aside from cat dander, the allergy also may stem from the cat’s saliva. Like dander, it can also become airborne and cling to surfaces ranging from carpet to furniture.
Cat Allergy Shots Explained
Cat allergy shots are a type of allergy immunotherapy that reduces the body’s sensitivity to the allergen through “training.” This training involves repeated exposure to the allergen via injections, allowing the body to adjust to the allergen.
The injections contain small, incrementally increasing doses of the allergen. With time and consistency, the exposure helps reduce the production of the “blocking” antibodies that produce the reaction. This results in a slowly decreasing sensitivity level to that particular allergen.
Now, you might be wondering: Do cat allergy shots actually work for kids? Yes! Since they address the allergy itself, unlike traditional treatments such as corticosteroids, antihistamines, and decongestants, they can be highly effective! Of course, everybody is different, so timelines for results can vary.
Efficacy of Cat Allergy Shots
For parents, the prospect of trying something new for their child’s health can be daunting. However, it’s important to note that this treatment is nothing new. It has been around for over a century, dating back to the early 1900s, when it was initially introduced.
Since then, much research has been done, with healthcare providers and researchers alike delving into the specifics of this remarkable treatment. Countless studies are now available, each documenting the treatment’s ins and outs, from efficacy to risks.
The efficacy is widely proven. For example, a handful of research and clinical trials showcased the efficacy of repeated subcutaneous injections in achieving an allergen-specific tolerance that remains even after the treatment is discontinued.
Another study evaluated evidence to determine the long-term impact of allergy immunotherapy on allergic rhinitis. It found that both types of AIT are effective in treating allergic rhinitis and offer clinical benefits and immunological changes that are consistent with an allergen-specific tolerance.
The research is plentiful, so if you want to learn more about it, there’s no shortage of studies and trials to sift through.
Final Thoughts
Cat allergy shots can be a great solution for kids struggling with cat allergies. While the treatment may take some time to produce results, it can offer long-term relief and improve your child’s quality of life. If you’re considering cat allergy shots for your child, be sure to talk to their primary care physician to determine if this treatment is right for them.