Epidemiologia i przebieg naturalny alergii na zwierzęta futerkowe

Researchers agree that the incidence of allergy to pets in Europe and the United States is growing for several decades. The incidence of allergy to dog and cat varies depending on the chosen population, age and sex.The number of pets in the environment makes it difficult to avoid contact with them. Allergens can be transferred on clothes of pet owners to places where theoretically we do not expect animals, and dog and cat allergens remain in the air for a very long time, after an animal left the environment.In the publications conflicting reports can be found about the impact of childhood exposure to animal allergens on allergy later in the life of a child. The test results may be affected by the choice of the examined group and the objective difficulties in comparing pet owners to people who do not have any animals at home.Researchers proved that people who are allergic to dog or cat are more susceptible of sensitization to other fur-bearing animals than patients with inhaled allergy, but not sensitized to dog or cat allergens. Furthermore, the lack of direct contact with the animal does not rule out allergies, which may indicate either a cross-reaction or an individual's susceptibility to animal dander allergies.