What to do if you’re allergic to your pet cat or dog – nasal sprays, changing
如果您对宠物猫或狗过敏怎么办 – 鼻腔喷雾剂、更换

their diet and more
他们的饮食等等

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Over-the-counter antihistamines, nasal sprays, immunotherapy, changing your
非处方抗组胺药、鼻喷雾剂、免疫疗法、改变您的

pet’s diet, pet shampoos and wipes, HEPA air filters… how do these methods stack
宠物饮食、宠物洗发水和湿巾、HEPA 空气过滤器......这些方法如何堆叠

up? We find out.
向上？我们找到了答案。

It’s one of life’s greatest ironies when the animal that brings joy to your life
这是人生最大的讽刺之一，当动物给你的生活带来欢乐时

is also the source of your allergy woes. Sneezing, watery eyes, stuffy or runny
也是你过敏问题的根源。打喷嚏、流泪、闷热或流涕

nose, scratchy throat, rashes and even asthmatic symptoms such as wheezing and
鼻子、喉咙发痒、皮疹，甚至哮喘症状，如喘息和

chest tightness might be daily occurrences that you put up with in order to pat,
胸闷可能是你为了拍打而忍受的日常事件，

cuddle or play with Milo.
与 Milo 拥抱或玩耍。

While allergy cases involving dust mites are still the mainstay, said Dr Lim
虽然涉及尘螨的过敏病例仍然是主要病例，但 Lim 医生说

Keng Hua, a consultant ENT surgeon at Ear Nose Throat, Head & Neck Surgery
Keng 华，耳鼻喉头颈外科的耳鼻喉科顾问外科医生

Specialist, allergies to pets are increasingly becoming more common. “I have
专家，对宠物过敏越来越普遍。“我有

seen more patients tested positive to pets this year compared to last year.”
与去年相比，今年看到更多的患者对宠物检测呈阳性。

Dr Ker Liang, an ENT surgeon and the medical director at Aglow ENT Centre, also
耳鼻喉外科医生兼 Aglow 耳鼻喉科中心的医疗主任 Ker Liang 医生也

reported seeing “patients who are allergic to their pets quite frequently”, who
报告看到“经常对宠物过敏的患者”，谁

seek treatment for allergic rhinitis (sensitive nose) and rhinosinusitis
寻求过敏性鼻炎（敏感鼻）和鼻-鼻窦炎的治疗

(inflammation of the sinuses).
（鼻窦炎症）。

Interestingly, the common cause of your snivelling situation isn’t your pet’s
有趣的是，您狙击情况的常见原因不是您的宠物

fur, said Dr Gwenda Lowe, the owner and veterinary surgeon at Brighton Vet Care.
Brighton Vet Care 的所有者兼兽医 Gwenda Lowe 博士说。

“The allergens from pets are mainly their saliva and secretions from their
“宠物的过敏原主要是它们的唾液和分泌物

skin's sebaceous glands, which are shed in dander aka skin flakes.”
皮肤的皮脂腺，以皮屑（又名皮屑）的形式脱落。

Fur is often blamed for being a trigger as dander can be caught on the fluffy
毛皮经常被指责为触发因素，因为皮屑可能会被蓬松的皮屑夹住

stuff, said Dr Rina Maguire, the hospital director of Beecroft Animal Specialist
东西，Beecroft Animal Specialist 的医院主任 Rina Maguire 博士说

& Emergency Hospital.
& 紧急医院。

And sometimes, you may not be allergic to your pet at all “but rather, the house
有时，您可能根本不对您的宠物过敏，“而是对房子过敏

dust mites, fleas or ticks on your pets’ fur or skin”, said Dr Lim.
尘螨、跳蚤或蜱虫会沾在宠物的皮毛或皮肤上“，Lim 医生说。

WHY ARE SOME OWNERS ALLERGIC BUT OTHERS AREN’T? AND WHY ARE MORE PEOPLE ALLERGIC
为什么有些业主过敏而另一些则不过敏？为什么更多的人过敏

TO CATS THAN DOGS?
对猫而不是狗？

It has to do with your immune system, said Dr Ker. “Some people have a
这与你的免疫系统有关，Ker 博士说。“有些人有

hypersensitive immune response to specific proteins found in dander, saliva and
对皮屑、唾液和

other substances.”
其他物质。

She continued: “Generally, cat allergens are more potent and can trigger more
她继续说道：“一般来说，猫过敏原更有效，可以引发更多

severe reactions compared to dog allergens because cat dander contains a highly
与狗过敏原相比，反应严重，因为猫皮屑含有高度

allergenic protein called Fel d 1, which can remain airborne longer”.
称为 Fel d 1 的过敏蛋白，可以在空气中停留更长时间”。

According to Dr Lowe, feline dander is also smaller and stickier than canine
根据 Lowe 博士的说法，猫科动物的皮屑也比犬科动物更小、更粘

dander, so they are more likely to adhere to skin and clothes. “Cats groom
皮屑，因此它们更容易粘附在皮肤和衣服上。“猫咪梳理

themselves more than dogs, which means you may also be in contact with more
他们自己比狗更多，这意味着您也可能接触到更多

saliva when you touch a cat’s skin or fur.”
当你触摸猫的皮肤或皮毛时流出的唾液。

And compared to dogs, cats get more access to beds, sofas, tables and
与狗相比，猫有更多的机会使用床、沙发、桌子和

countertops, said Dr Lowe. This means they shed their dander on surfaces “that
台面，Lowe 博士说。这意味着它们会在表面上脱落皮屑 “那

would be in frequent contact with the owners’ skin and respiratory system”.
会经常接触主人的皮肤和呼吸系统”。

ARE THERE HYPOALLERGENIC BREEDS OF CATS AND DOGS?
有低过敏性的猫和狗品种吗？

“Ultimately, an allergy to one’s pet is predetermined by an individual’s genes
“归根结底，对宠物的过敏是由个人的基因预先决定的

and is not predisposed to any particular pet species,” said Dr Maguire. And
并且不易患任何特定的宠物物种，“马奎尔博士说。和

while there are “less allergenic dog and cat breeds”, there is “not a single
虽然有“过敏性较低的狗和猫品种”，但“没有一个

hypoallergenic breed”, she said.
低过敏性品种“，她说。

“Some dogs, such as poodles and schnauzers, will shed less and produce less
“有些狗，如贵宾犬和雪纳瑞，会脱落更少，产量也会更少

dander. Also, there are cats with dense fur that shed less, and some with no fur
皮 屑。此外，有些猫的皮毛浓密，脱落较少，有些猫没有皮毛

such as the sphynx,” said Dr Maguire.
比如狮身人面像，“马奎尔博士说。

Dr Lowe also agreed that there are no real hypoallergenic cat and dog breeds.
Lowe 博士也同意，没有真正的低过敏性猫和狗品种。

“There is a perception that low-shedding breeds are hypoallergenic,” she said.
“人们认为低脱落品种是低过敏性的，”她说。

“However, the primary allergens that trigger human allergies are actually found
“然而，引发人类过敏的主要过敏原实际上是被发现的

in their saliva and skin flakes, which would be present, regardless of how
在他们的唾液和皮肤薄片中，无论如何存在

little fur the pet sheds. People with severe pet allergies may react even with
宠物脱落的小毛皮。对宠物严重过敏的人甚至可能会出现

these ‘hypoallergenic’ breeds.”
这些'低过敏性'品种。

But for those with mild allergies, low-shedding breeds may help to reduce their
但对于那些轻度过敏的人来说，低脱落品种可能有助于减少他们的

symptoms, said Dr Lowe. “Certain cat breeds, like the Siberian, produce less Fel
症状，Lowe 博士说。“某些猫品种，如西伯利亚猫，产生的 Fel 较少

d 1.”
d 1。

WHAT CAN PET OWNERS DO IN THEIR HOMES?
宠物主人可以在家中做什么？

If you have mild allergies, making lifestyle changes to minimise your contact
如果您有轻度过敏症，请改变生活方式以尽量减少接触

with allergens may help. For instance, having high-efficiency particulate air
过敏原可能会有所帮助。例如，拥有高效的微粒空气

(HEPA) filters in your air purifier can effectively reduce pet dander and other
空气净化器中的 （HEPA） 过滤器可以有效减少宠物皮屑等

allergens in the air, “but they are not a complete solution”, said Dr Ker. “They
空气中的过敏原，“但它们不是一个完整的解决方案”，Ker 博士说。“他们

should be used in conjunction with other strategies such as regular cleaning and
应与其他策略结合使用，例如定期清洁和

reducing pet access to certain areas.”
减少宠物进入某些区域。

However, it is not a good idea to confine your pet to just one room to minimise
但是，将您的宠物限制在一个房间内以尽量减少并不是一个好主意

your allergen exposure, said Dr Maguire. “The isolation will cause great stress
你的过敏原暴露，马奎尔博士说。“隔离会带来很大的压力

to the animal. Wearing gloves and masks can help, but it might not be practical.
对动物。戴手套和口罩会有所帮助，但可能不切实际。

It takes away the joy of spending time or cuddling with animals.”
它带走了花时间或拥抱动物的乐趣。

Instead, “after petting or hugging your pet, wash your hands with soap and
相反，“抚摸或拥抱您的宠物后，用肥皂洗手，然后

water”, suggested Dr Tan Wei Jie, an internist at DTAP Clinic @ Orchard.
水“，DTAP Clinic @ Orchard 的内科医生 Tan Wei Jie 医生建议道。

“Cleaning the house regularly with a vacuum cleaner can help to reduce allergen
“定期用吸尘器打扫房子有助于减少过敏原

levels as well.”
水平也是如此。

CAN CHANGING OUR PET’S DIET HELP?
改变我们宠物的饮食有帮助吗？

“Diet is certainly one of the better routes to improve a pet's skin condition
“饮食无疑是改善宠物皮肤状况的更好途径之一

and, in turn, reduce its production of dander,” said Dr Maguire. “Pet owners can
反过来，减少皮屑的产生，“Maguire 博士说。“宠物主人可以

order a Heska test at the vet's to find out what food types their pets are
在兽医处订购 Heska 测试，了解他们的宠物是什么食物类型

reactive to and avoid them.”
对他们做出反应并避免他们。

Meanwhile, Dr Lowe said that “Purina Pro Plan LiveClear is the only diet in the
与此同时，Lowe 博士说：“Purina Pro Plan LiveClear 是

market proven to reduce the Fel 1 d allergen shed by cats by inactivating it via
市场证明，通过灭活猫脱落的 Fel 1 d 过敏原

an egg protein in the diet”. “There is a proven 47 per cent efficacy rate by the
饮食中的鸡蛋蛋白”。“事实证明，有效率为 47%

third week of daily feeding,” she said.
每天喂食的第三周，“她说。

ARE THERE WIPES AND SHAMPOOS THAT HELP TO REDUCE DANDER SHEDDING?
有没有有助于减少皮屑脱落的湿巾和洗发水？

Wiping down your pet’s entire body is not something Dr Lowe recommends for
擦拭宠物的整个身体不是 Lowe 医生建议做的事情

managing your allergies. “In fact, the excessive residual moisture on their skin
管理您的过敏症。“事实上，他们皮肤上残留的水分过多

and coat is not going to dry well in our hot and humid climate, and will
而且外套在我们炎热潮湿的气候下不会很好地干燥，而且会

increase the risk of opportunistic infections in your pet,” she said.
增加宠物机会性感染的风险，“她说。

Moreover, the frequent wipe-down of your pet is going to increase your contact
此外，经常擦拭您的宠物会增加您的接触

with the allergens instead, she said. But if you’re allergic to pollen, wiping
她说，相反，用的是过敏原。但是，如果您对花粉过敏，请擦拭

your pet before entering your home can help to minimise the amount of pollen
宠物在进入家门前有助于最大限度地减少花粉的数量

your pet brings in, she added.
你带的宠物进来了，她补充说。

As for showering your pet, it “can help clear off some dander from your pet’s
至于给宠物洗澡，它“可以帮助清除宠物身上的一些皮屑

skin surface”, said Dr Lowe, especially for pets with skin conditions.
皮肤表面“，Lowe 博士说，尤其是对于有皮肤病的宠物。

“Veterinarian-prescribed shampoos may be needed to help manage the infection and
“可能需要兽医开具的洗发水来帮助控制感染和

thus, reduce dander shedding.”
因此，减少皮屑脱落。

But don’t shower your pet excessively, said Dr Lowe, “as it will dry their skin
但不要过度给你的宠物洗澡，Lowe 博士说，“因为这会让他们的皮肤干燥

and coat, and may sometimes cause the skin to produce even more sebum”.
和皮毛，有时可能导致皮肤产生更多的皮脂”。

WHAT ABOUT ANTIHISTAMINES AND NASAL SPRAYS?
抗组胺药和鼻喷雾剂怎么样？

In Dr Maguire’s opinion, “the most effective solution is through the
在 Maguire 博士看来，“最有效的解决方案是通过

antihistamine route”. “In fact, it is not uncommon to hear of vets and vet
抗组胺药途径”。“事实上，听说 vets 和 vet 并不少见

nurses who are allergic to animals. Some of my colleagues wear masks, take
对动物过敏的护士。我的一些同事戴着口罩，拿

medicines and some even carry an EpiPen in case of a bad reaction.”
药物，有些甚至带有 EpiPen 以防出现不良反应。

When it comes to medicines, itchy and stuffy-nosed pet owners would know that
说到药物，发痒和鼻塞的宠物主人会知道这一点

OTC antihistamines and nasal sprays can offer some relief. “Generally, it is
非处方抗组胺药和鼻喷雾剂可以缓解一些症状。“一般来说，它是

safe to take antihistamines long-term as long as it is within the recommended
只要在推荐的范围内，可以安全长期服用抗组胺药

dose,” said Dr Tan.
剂量，“陈医生说。

Still, you have to be aware of antihistamines’ side effects, said Dr Lim.
不过，您必须了解抗组胺药的副作用，Lim 医生说。

“Antihistamines cause dry nose, dry mouth and even urinary retention. Sedative
“抗组胺药会导致鼻干、口干甚至尿潴留。镇静剂

antihistamines cause drowsiness and impair cognitive function.”
抗组胺药会引起嗜睡并损害认知功能。

Meanwhile, antihistamines with decongestants may cause heart palpitations, and
同时，抗组胺药和减充血剂可能会引起心悸，并且

an increased heart rate and blood pressure – which you’ll want to take note of
心率和血压升高 – 您需要注意这一点

if you have hypertension or a heart condition.
如果您患有高血压或心脏病。

Nasal sprays that contain oxymetazoline to help unblock your congested nose may
含有羟甲唑啉的鼻腔喷雾剂有助于疏通充血的鼻子

seem like a godsend, but their long-term use can lead to rebound congestion,
看似天赐之物，但长期使用会导致反弹充血，

cautioned Dr Ker. (FYI: You shouldn’t use your nasal spray for more than three
Ker 医生警告说。（仅供参考：您不应使用鼻腔喷雾剂超过三个

or four days in a row.) Also known as rhinitis medicamentosa, rebound congestion
或连续四天。也称为药物性鼻炎、反弹性充血

can occur when your nasal congestion worsens after using nasal decongestant
当使用鼻减充血剂后鼻塞恶化时，可能发生

sprays long-term, she said.
她说，长期喷雾。

“When you stop using the spray, your congestion becomes more significant than
“当你停止使用喷雾剂时，你的充血变得比

before. This condition makes it hard to breathe through your nose without using
以前。这种情况使得如果不使用

more medication, creating a cycle of dependency,” said Dr Ker.
更多的药物，造成依赖的循环，“Ker 博士说。

In addition, the long-term use of nasal steroid sprays may cause trauma to the
此外，长期使用鼻用类固醇喷雾剂可能会对

nasal septum if not applied properly, said Dr Lim, leading to the thinning of
林医生说，如果鼻中隔应用不当，会导致

the mucosa lining and nose bleeding.
粘膜内膜和鼻子出血。

There’s also the concern that, given the proximity to the eyes, the long-term
还有一个问题是，考虑到靠近眼睛，长期

use of nasal sprays may cause trouble there. “Our eye colleagues are very
使用鼻喷雾剂可能会在那里造成麻烦。“我们的 Eye 同事非常

worried about cataracts and glaucoma,” said Dr Lim. “Studies did not show a
担心白内障和青光眼，“Lim 医生说。”研究没有显示

direct risk to those eye issues but most physicians are cautious of their
对那些眼部问题有直接风险，但大多数医生对他们的

long-term use.”
长期使用。

ANY LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS THEN?
那么有什么长远的解决方案吗？

Immunotherapy, said Dr Tan, is a form of long-term treatment that aims to
Tan 医生说，免疫疗法是一种长期治疗形式，旨在

decrease allergy symptoms. “There are different forms of immunotherapy, ranging
减轻过敏症状。“免疫疗法有不同的形式，范围

from regular injections to daily oral spray. Immunotherapy is generally safe to
从定期注射到每日口服喷雾。免疫疗法通常对

use and treatment period is between three and five years to develop a lasting
使用和治疗期在 3 到 5 年之间，以形成持久的

immunity,” he said.
免疫力，“他说。

However, it does not work for everyone, said Dr Tan. “Typically, if there is
然而，它并不适合所有人，陈医生说。“通常，如果有

little or no improvement to the allergic symptoms three years after the
过敏症状在三年后几乎没有改善

initiation of immunotherapy, the treatment should be stopped. Some individuals
开始免疫治疗，应停止治疗。一些人

are non-responders to immunotherapy due their immunological response.”
由于他们的免疫反应，对免疫治疗无反应。

There are contraindications to consider, too, such as severe allergic reactions
还有一些禁忌症需要考虑，例如严重的过敏反应

to the reagent, said Dr Lim. Individuals who have uncontrolled asthma,
对试剂，Lim 医生说。哮喘未得到控制的人，

autoimmune diseases, cancer and those on beta-blockers aren’t suitable
自身免疫性疾病、癌症和服用 β 受体阻滞剂的人不适合

candidates as well.
候选人也是如此。

“Patients taking beta-blockers may have their allergic reaction to the
“服用 β 受体阻滞剂的患者可能会对

immunotherapy masked,” said Dr Lim, “Patients with uncontrolled asthma also have
免疫疗法掩盖了，“Lim 医生说，”未控制的哮喘患者也有

a higher risk of anaphylaxis if there is any adverse reaction to immunotherapy."
如果对免疫疗法有任何不良反应，过敏反应的风险会更高。

He added that in patients with cancer and autoimmune diseases, immunotherapy may
他补充说，在癌症和自身免疫性疾病患者中，免疫疗法可能会

affect their immune responses as well as affect tumour growth and cancer
影响他们的免疫反应以及影响肿瘤生长和癌症

outcome. ■
结果。■

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