Things You Should Know About Horses and Their Effect on Allergy

Allergy to horse may affect several people. Manifestations may vary according to the allergy type, such as:

* Hives or rashes * Itchy nose, eyes or skin * Asthma attacks * Watery eyes * Breathing difficulty * Sneezing or coughing

A preliminary check if one is allergic to horses during the first encounter is in order. An asthmatic person must be watchful since horse allergy may also lead to asthmatic episodes which can be deadly at its severe scenario. In addition, if you suffer from asthma, safety measures must be observed when encountering these mares for the first time like equipping oneself with an inhaler, and other asthma medications. Monitoring is advised especially for asthmatic children when meeting horses for the first time.

Dander is one particular allergen gathered from horses. It is made up of dandruff-like particles of skin and strands of hair. Horse mites and their droppings are another typical allergy trigger. Even the urine and saliva of horses may spark an allergy attack.

In spite of putting distance from horses, the occurrence of horse allergy may still happen through indirect contact. To illustrate, tack and clothing used during riding a horse may harbor mite droppings and dander, which may also rub off to rugs and blankets. Getting in contact with these may consequently result to horse allergy. Some experiences tell of a scenario wherein one family member who rides horses triggered the allergy attack of another non-riding member by way of his riding gear and clothing which he brought home. It is prudent then for the rider to change clothes and swab off tack before heading home. Confined places, such as the barn, where horses have settled in must also be avoided to prevent an allergic attack even if the horses have vacated the place already.

Treatment

As with other kinds of allergy, horse allergy can primarily be managed through avoidance from allergens. If not, the use of remedies such as desensitizing products, corticosteroids and anti-histamines can be handy. These should be used though as per physician’s counsel.

An analysis to identify the particular element of the horse that one is sensitive to should be undergone for people who must be around horses so that treatment options can be readily made available.

* Underscoring dander as the main allergen above other horse elements, it has been accounted by a handful of people that ‘curly horse’ breeds allegedly do not produce that much dander, thus, eliciting minimal reaction, making it safe to ride.

* When the test shows that horse mites are the culprit, allergy attacks may be toned down by treating the horses and their boxes against mites.

* When urine is to blame for, the avoidance of infected places and washing the horse may make it allowable for the person to ride the horse.

* Whatever it may be, pinning down the precise cause of the horse allergy may make it permissible for one to come near to horses with minimized reactions.

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