Pet Hair Allergy
Pet hair allergy is widespread. We diagnose precisely and offer effective treatment options including immunotherapy.
- Covered by insurance
- Often same-day appointment
What is a Pet Hair Allergy?
A pet hair allergy is widespread — most commonly affected are cats and dogs. The allergens are not actually in the hair itself but in saliva, dander, and urine of the animals, which then stick to the hair. Typical symptoms are sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and in severe cases asthma. We diagnose precisely with allergy tests and offer effective treatment options including allergen-specific immunotherapy.
TREATMENT
How avi Helps You
Runny nose, sneezing, watering eyes: millions of people in Germany suffer from a pet hair allergy. A condition that should absolutely be taken seriously. After all, persistent symptoms can seriously damage your bronchial tubes. Our doctors at avi help you at all our locations with the long-term management of your allergy.
OVERVIEW
Diagnosis
The presence of a pet hair allergy is typically diagnosed by a specialist using a so-called prick and intradermal test. This makes it possible to rule out that the body's pathological reaction has other causes (such as an infection).
During the examination, allergenic particles are applied to or beneath the skin of potential allergy sufferers. If the skin reacts with redness or wheals after twenty minutes, an allergy is diagnosed.
The prick and intradermal test is particularly well suited to type 1 allergies, the so-called "immediate-type reactions", as these produce immediate symptoms.
An alternative to this form of diagnosis is the detection of elevated IgE antibodies (immunoglobulin E) in the blood. These substances help the body to defend against foreign substances.
OVERVIEW
Causes & Risk Factors
The triggers of a pet hair allergy are specific, objectively harmless allergens such as animal hair, which the body has flagged as dangerous pathogens.
OVERVIEW
Typical Symptoms
The typical symptoms of allergic rhinitis include:
- runny nose
- itchy nose
- sneezing
- difficulty breathing through the nose
- if allergens come into contact with the oral mucosa: itching of the tongue, palate, and throat
In the case of allergic conjunctivitis, the following are also present:
- itchy, reddened, or watering eyes
TREATMENT
Our Treatment Approach
The first step in treating an acute pet hair allergy is the administration of antihistamines and steroids (corticosteroids), which temporarily suppress the body's immune response. These are available as nasal sprays, eye drops, or tablets.
If this symptomatic treatment insufficiently relieves your symptoms, or if asthma is also present as a condition, an allergen immunotherapy is subsequently carried out.
For further diagnostic assessment and to determine whether you are a candidate for immunotherapy, we are happy to refer you to a specialist.
HOW IT WORKS
How an Appointment Works
We take time for thorough diagnostics and an individual treatment plan.
- 1
History & Consultation
We discuss your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle in detail and take time for your questions.
~15 min
- 2
Clinical Examination
A thorough physical examination and, if needed, additional diagnostics (e.g., blood draw, ECG, ultrasound).
~15-20 min
- 3
Findings & Diagnosis
We discuss your results and explain what they mean for your health in clear terms.
~10 min
- 4
Treatment Plan & Follow-up
Together we develop an individual treatment plan and arrange follow-up appointments as needed.
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PREPARATION & AFTERCARE
Preparation & Aftercare
Before the appointment
Bring your insurance card
Please remember your health insurance card and any referral if applicable.
Pack previous findings
Current findings, doctor's letters, or imaging from previous treatments help us provide better care.
Medication list
A current list of your medications (incl. dosage) is very helpful.
After the appointment
Follow your treatment plan
Stick to the agreed treatment plan and medication intake.
Schedule follow-up
Arrange a follow-up appointment promptly for monitoring.
Report worsening symptoms
Contact us if your symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear.
Costs & insurance
Covered by statutory insurance
Standard coverage for all statutory health insurance members.
Private / self-pay
on request