Pet dander and perennial allergic rhinitis: therapeutic options

Allergy Asthma Proc. 2009 Nov-Dec;30(6):573-83. doi: 10.2500/aap.2009.30.3286.

Abstract

Pet allergy may now be the most common perennial allergen in the United States based on recent skin-prick testing data. This trend corresponds with the rise (from 56 to 63%) in U.S. households having indoor pets over the past 10 years. Furthermore small, suspended, particulate animal allergens may be found in 90% of all homes and most public indoor areas. Although the most important cat and dog allergens are Fel d 1 and Can f 1, respectively, there are five well-described allergens for both cats and dogs. The effects of early life domestic pet and endotoxin exposure and subsequent clinical sensitivity remain controversial. Given that only the rare pet-allergic patient is willing to give away his/her pet, it is important to take an evidence-based approach to environmental control. Unfortunately, the benefits from changes in the environment that have been shown in research studies relate more to a reduction of allergens than symptoms. The pharmacotherapy for pet allergy will vary based on whether this is episodic or perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) and on the severity of the symptoms. A stepwise approach for management, using both mono- and combination therapy, is proposed. Allergen immunotherapy, the only disease-modifying treatment available, may be the best therapeutic recommendation for patients with moderate to severe pet-induced PAR.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Allergens / immunology*
  • Allergens / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Animals, Domestic*
  • Antigens, Plant
  • Cats
  • Desensitization, Immunologic*
  • Dogs
  • Environment, Controlled
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Glycoproteins / immunology*
  • Glycoproteins / metabolism
  • Histamine Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Leukotriene Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / diagnosis
  • Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / epidemiology
  • Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / immunology
  • Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / therapy*
  • Serum Albumin / immunology*
  • Serum Albumin / metabolism
  • United States

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Allergens
  • Antigens, Plant
  • Can f 3 allergen, Canis familiaris
  • Glycoproteins
  • Histamine Antagonists
  • Leukotriene Antagonists
  • Serum Albumin
  • Fel d 1 protein, Felis domesticus