Patient Education


What are Environmental Allergens?

What are Environmental Allergens?

Environmental allergens are the substances in our environment to which you become allergic. Allergens can be pollens, which are released into the air by trees, grasses and weeds. Allergens can also be pet dander (skin cells and proteins that all mammals normally shed) and pet saliva. Dust mites (microscopic mites that live in carpet, bedding and upholstery) and cockroaches can make allergic substances as well. Finally, mold can also be an environmental allergen.
Why do I have allergies?

The predisposition or risk to develop allergies is inherited from your parent(s). If you are at risk for developing allergies and are exposed to certain allergenic substances, you may become allergic. Developing allergies to substances in your environment takes time. For allergens that are present all year round, such as pet dander and dust mites, allergies can develop over a period as short as a few months. For allergens that are only present for short periods of time, such as pollens and molds, allergies often take several years to develop. Science has not yet determined why some people who are at risk develop allergies and other people who are at risk do not.

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What Are Pet Allergies?

Are Pet Allergies common?

Allergic symptoms due to pets are common, it is estimated that about 10% of patients may be allergic to animals. Most commonly, patients are allergic to dog and cat allergen, but birds, gerbils, rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs can cause allergic symptoms as well. Additionally, outdoor pets such as horses, cows, goats, sheep, and chickens can be problematic to certain patients.
What symptoms do Pet Allergies cause?

Allergic symptoms due to pets can include runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, and itching. They can also cause eye symptoms of itching, swelling, redness and watering. The lower airway can also be involved including coughing and wheezing. For some patients, hives and swelling can be due to pet allergens. The allergen of the pet is found in their dander (shed epithelial or skin cells), in their saliva and in their urine. In general, pet hair is not considered to be an important allergen.
What do Allergists recommend?

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What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic disease of the airways in the lung due to inflammation or swelling. This inflammation of the air tubes makes it more difficult to get air through the tubes. In addition to inflammation, lungs with asthma often make excess mucous and the muscles around each air tube are more likely to constrict (bronchoconstriction) and cause the airways to become even smaller. So there are three different causes of asthma inside the lungs that lead to the symptoms of asthma such as coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.
For many Colorado patients with asthma the symptoms are not present every day, but may increase if triggered by a viral illness, exercise, tobacco exposure or allergen exposure (pet dander or pollens). Research has shown that inflammation of the lungs is still present even if you feel well in between episodes of breathing problems.

How is Asthma Diagnosed?

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