With blossoms all around, springtime brings with it an uninvited guest—allergies, constant coughing, watery eyes, heavy breathing, never-ending itching, and loads of other discomforts. 

As springtime arrives, an allergy-prone individual stands ready with air duct cleaning equipment, air purifiers, face masks, and anti-allergic medications, and whatnot! 

This battle between spring, allergies, and you will not end, but understanding its causes might help in managing the symptoms.

In this article, we will talk about human allergies, their causes, how pet dander can worsen allergies, and ways to get rid of pet dander. 

How Do Humans Develop Allergies?

Our surroundings are full of microscopic elements that enter our bodies through the nose and mouth. These elements range from pollen, dust, animal shedding, molds, etc.

Our body’s immune system responds in two ways to the introduction of foreign elements in our body– Type 1 Immune Response and Type 2 Immune Response.

The Type 1 Immune Response does nothing but tolerate the new guests. However, the Type 2 Immune Response administers them as problem-causing elements. It starts releasing T helper Type 2 cells to bring down the foreign particles, and in the process, our body encounters fever, wheezing, coughing, etc. 

The Type 2 response administers the reaction as an allergy. Our body remembers the allergen and its response to the guest. The next time this guest reenters, our immune system reacts in the same manner. This is how an allergy develops.

Now let us understand the reason for allergies creeping up, specifically during springtime. 

Why Are Allergies Common During Spring?

Clearly, allergies during springtime are common because the trees, flowers, and grass produce pollen. Pollen is tiny granules produced by plants for reproduction. You can call them ‘plant eggs.’

These tiny grains are spread across through insects and wind. When pollen enters our body, our system goes through a reaction and starts working rigorously to attack the foreign particle. As a result, Hormone- Histamine is produced that kills the invader. However, Histamine also causes nose swelling, sneezing, fever, cough, etc.

An allergy caused during the spring can be seasonal or perennial. The seasonal reaction is caused by pollen in spring and stops when seasons change. However, the perennial reaction stays throughout the year and can be caused by molds, dust, pet dander, etc.

To sum up the entire explanation, allergies are common during springtime because our green friends produce and release pollen in the air. The pollen enters our body, activates the Type 2 Immune Response, and causes a massacre in our body that we call – Spring Allergy.

How Does Pet Dander Make Allergies Worse?

Pet dander refers to the tiny dead skin flakes of animals that can be inhaled through air. It is most common in furry animals, especially cats and dogs.

Here, the whole story repeats. Pet dander mixes with the dust or other microscopic particles present around and enter your body. The body’s immune system mistakes it for danger and gets into action. The action produces Histamine (fighter hormone) and causes a reaction, commonly allergic rhinitis.

Dander is a protein particle. People might encounter allergic skin reactions if they even touch the animal. So how does it make allergies worse?

People are increasingly adopting pets. According to reports, 4 out of 5 houses in the US have a pet. No doubt we love them with all our might, but their shedding spread all across the house and cause the reactions you are sick of. 

We aren’t suggesting you give up on your little bundles of joy. However, to keep deadly allergic reactions at bay, you should follow certain precautions. Scroll down to find your answers!

How to Get Rid Of Pet Dander?

If you’re a pet owner, it is practically impossible to ‘get rid of pet dander. However, you can practice certain precautions to minimize the chances of an allergy.

  1. Regular Carpet Cleansing:

Carpets might elevate your aesthetics, but they hide unrealistic amounts of dirt and dust. If you’re prone to allergies but love your carpets, your only middle ground would be to regularly clean them. 

Steam cleaning the carpet will get rid of the entire gunk and minimize chances of allergies for you.

  1. Replacing Dust Attracting Furnishings:

If possible, remove dust attracting furnishings such as carpets, curtains, quilted covers, etc. Replace them with materials that do not hide in dust and dirt. Doing so will make cleaning easier and faster.

  1. Installing Air Purifiers:

Technology can be your best friend if used wisely. For example, air purifiers consistently filter the air in the area they’re installed. 

Place your air purifier at places where your pet spends most of its time. This will reduce your chances of inhaling dander particles and other allergy-inducing miscreants suspended in the air.

  1. Bathing Pets Regularly:

Bathing your pets regularly can do wonders. Not only will their personal hygiene be maintained, but all the debris that falls off their coats will also stay in check.

However, make sure that your pet does not fall sick due to regular bathing. You can also brush their coat in the open to keep dander from falling into the house.

  1. Cleaning Air Ducts

We often forget the air ducts even though they are the most common culprits of causing allergies. If left unattended for too long, the air ducts collect debris, dirt, molds, etc. Getting them cleaned at regular intervals will keep you safe from allergy attacks, and the air circulation will stay unrestricted.

Conclusion

You can never control the body’s natural instincts. But you can definitely prevent the reactions from being fatal. Follow the above-mentioned steps to stay clear of allergies and live a healthy life.