Saturday, October 1, 2011

Horrible Allergic Response To Cat?

396545383 We just got a kitten 2 weeks ago and I found out I am allergic. I took some Claratin and then when symptoms got worse (chest tightening, trouble breathing) I purchased an OTC inhaler (primatene mist). The cat was never allowed in the bedroom. After waking up coughing an unable to breathe on Sunday we returned the cat the first possible time we could which was yesterday (Tuesday). My husband cleaned our apartment thoroughly today while I was gone. However I still had to use my inhaler twice since returning the cat. I am wanting to know if this caused long term damage (eg do I now have asthma?), and steps I can take to feel better, and when I should start feeling better. NOTE: I would like to avoid going to the doctor as I do not have insurance, but will go if it is necessary, I am looking for more peace of mind.

2 comments:

  1. JUST ME - it can take a while to get the dander & fur out of your place.
    keep dusting , vacuuming & try to leave a window open to clear the air.
    instead of the 24 hours meds..use 25 mgs of benadryl every 4-6 hours
    Benadryl is the only OTC med that has anti histamine in it..you should take
    it for a few days or until you stop reacting
    It shouldn't cause any long term damage or asthma..just try to avoid cats.if you can't
    then take 25 mgs Benadryl at least 1/2 hour before going where they may live,or if
    you are going to be near people who have cats.I react to my friends cat fur on their
    clothing.
    I have dealt with severe allergies since i was an infant (51 now) I have seen several
    allergy Specialists all my life..they all say Benadryl is the only treatment that really works
    I have to stay on it for 5-7 days after a reaction.the IeG proteins stay in your system for up to 72 hours or longer..depending on how much you came in contact with..there isn't anyway to determine how much. I have insurance & my specialists insists I go to the ER because I have actually had my heart stop due to nasty reactions from latex & shellfish.Most people don't get that bad..I have had some many reactions I have lost count.
    OTC primatine mist won't really help much..it basically opens up your bronchial tubes and can make it worse over time.
    even if you go to a dr or ER all they will do is tell you to take 25mgs Benadryl every 4-6 hours(I need it every 4,since when it starts to wear off the non stop coughing comes right back) they may put you on Predisone & rx an inhaler..
    I also use a Vicks inhaler to help with the sinuses congestion... also a saline nasal spray.(Family Dollar carries them for about $2.00) Dollar Tree carries them for $1.00 also their brand of Vicks Vapor Rub..they all work the same way.
    when I was little before inhalers...my Mom would use 2 teaspoons of Vicks Vapor Rub ( store brands work just as well)..put it in 1 quart of boiled water...put a towel over my head like a tent..set the bowl about 10 to 12" under your nose..slowly breath in..you'll need some tissues because your nose will run....it's very effective,cheap & no side effects..except your nose running like a faucet
    When I couldn't stop coughing.she'd rub the Vicks on my chest & put warm damp wash clothes on me..or have me take a hot shower..this cleared out my lungs & made the coughing slow down

    best of luck
    if you want or need anymore help

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  2. allotmentgolfer - Because the cat has shed fur around the house you will still be reacting to it. It can take quite a while to get rid of it all, up to six months. Ensure you clean all surfaces, you may have to wipe things like walls to reduce the dander. In the meantime you may have problems with reactions for a little while yet.

    Claritin is a good antihistamine that is non drowsy, but it can take up to five days to work effectively so you just have to keep taking it. Another one to try is certirizine.

    Benedryl is another one that works well, and is fast acting but it can make people feel drowsy.

    The cat should not have given you long term damage, or asthma, but you will have to be careful about visiting other people who have cats.

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