One in every five people will develop some type of allergy during his or her life. There is a broad spectrum of allergic responses, ranging from itching and rashes, runny noses, irritated eyes and asthma to anaphylactic shock, a life-threatening response. Animals are among the causes of allergies, which usually are caused by exposure to pets.

What should you do if you suspect your sinusitis is caused by the cat? Which animals may produce a life-threatening allergic response and require medical attention?

Who causes allergies?

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Who doesn't? We are allergic to mammals, fowl, reptiles and animals with or without fur. Allergies to cats and dogs are all too familiar, but we may also be allergic to mice, hamsters, pigs, rabbits, turtles, snakes, lizards and birds. Insects, like cockroaches and, of course, dust mites, can also produce an allergic reaction. Dust mites are 0.3 millimeters in size and prefer a warm, moist environment. They inhabit mattresses, pillows and rugs, and excrete droppings associated with allergic rhinitis (runny nose), asthma and eczema.

Among household pets, cats are the most common cause of allergies. Allergies to cats may appear after years of exposure, and may take the form of runny noses and even severe asthma attacks. These reactions are caused by cat saliva. Cat-related allergies are apparently more common than dog allergies because cats tend to spend more time inside the house and clean themselves with saliva.

Why do allergies develop?

Allergic reactions are immune system responses to agents our body is not supposed to consider "adversarial" foreign substances. These agents, which usually come from our environment, and are found in plants, food, water and animals, are called allergens. Allergic reactions may also be produced by ingredients in medications and a variety of chemical compounds. Some individuals have a genetic tendency toward certain allergies.

What allergens cause allergic responses to animals? Despite common belief, fur is actually not an allergen. Moreover, fur length does not influence the nature of allergic reactions. In most cases, these allergens are proteins present in the animal's saliva, dander or urine.

Allergens are transported by air or by direct contact. Most allergic reactions affect the skin, mucous membranes or respiratory tract. These reactions are signs of an inflammatory process triggered by the immune system in response to allergens.

Furniture may remain a storehouse for allergens even after it has been abandoned by the animals that brought them. Allergens may linger in the air months after a pet is removed from the premises. Allergens may also be transported in food and beverages by direct contact with the animal source.

How to diagnose

If one has symptoms including a runny nose, sneezing, a scratchy throat, swollen tongue or lips, swelling, redness and irritation of the eyes, itchy skin, a rash, asthma or sinusitis, allergies may be suspected. Allergies may develop after a few years of exposure to an animal, and some may have an allergic response to contact with another person who was around an animal - or even just furniture, rugs and blankets where an animal previously lived.

Allergies are diagnosed through tests to determine the sensitivity of the patient's immune system to allergens. During skin tests, the patient's skin is exposed to a few drops of purified allergen extracts. After about 15 minutes, if the individual is allergic, he or she will develop a local reaction, including itching, swelling and redness. The more severe response the reaction is, the more allergic that individual is to that specific allergen.

There are also blood tests to identify antibodies associated with the inflammatory process of allergic responses. But because they are more expensive and take longer, they are less common than skin tests. More comprehensive testing may also be implemented in accordance with one's symptoms. This may include examination by a dermatologist in the event of rash, or evaluation of pulmonary function in the case of asthma.

Many animal lovers prefer to keep their pets and attempt to relieve symptoms by means of a variety of techniques, including the use of over-the-counter and prescription anti-allergy medications for more severe symptoms. Also recommended are practicing awareness and washing one's hands after contact with an animal and before touching one's face, covering furniture and especially bed linens during the day, and using fewer rugs and carpets.

One can wear a protective mask while cleaning litter boxes, crates or cages, and one should clean them frequently. If reactions are not severe, one may consult with a veterinarian, who may suggest products to remove allergens from pets and relieve their owners' symptoms. If all else fails, hypo-allergenic cats are now for sale on the Internet, for the nominal price of a few thousand dollars (www.allerca.com).