The possibility of an allergy to a guinea pig, the causes of the reaction, symptoms, treatment and prevention of pathology. Causes and symptoms of guinea pig allergy

The human immune system is the most powerful defense against bacteria, viruses, and harmful particles. Some people are overly sensitive. Allergy to guinea pig not as common as on cats, dogs or birds. And some even mistakenly consider rodents to be almost hyperallergenic pets.

Guinea pigs are the charm itself, but they can also cause a violent immune response in both an adult and a child.

These rodents are incredibly popular, especially with families with small children or those who have never kept a pet before. Pigs are cute and funny, have a calm disposition, and are unpretentious in care. But allergies to them can be quite serious in all manifestations.

While it is commonly believed that allergies are caused by guinea pig fur, this is not the case. Allergists have long proved that this is a myth and animal hair itself does not cause any reaction.

The body's defense system sees a threat not in wool or its structure, but in specific animal proteins contained in saliva, feces, microscopic skin particles. Antigens are easily spread in space, and are also transmitted through contact with a pet and its things.

Interestingly, breeders have bred several hairless breeds. And they assure that there can be no allergies to such guinea pigs. But it's most likely just a marketing ploy. Above in the photo is just such a guinea pig.

What to do when symptoms appear

How to be the owners of the mumps, if the allergy has made itself felt? The main thing is not to go to extremes and not make hasty decisions. As soon as possible, seek the advice of an allergist in order to pass tests and tests to identify the irritant.

Based on the results, it may turn out that the matter is not in the rodent itself, but in the feed or filler, and the animal has already been expelled from the house. Or the owners make a “heroic” decision to endure the disease and not part with a friend, and the study will show that long contact will lead to irreversible consequences, and good hands need to be found for the mumps.

Important! You can't do without doctors in the fight against allergies. Only they will competently prescribe treatment, taking into account its type, severity, chronic diseases and the general condition of the patient.

How does it manifest

There are 3 main options for how an allergy to guinea pigs manifests itself - these are breathing problems, skin itching, and inflammation of the mucous membranes. Symptoms appear individually, rarely in combination.

Respiratory allergies can affect any organ of the corresponding system. Nasal congestion or allergic rhinitis does not pose a serious threat, but rather causes discomfort. The reaction can affect the tongue, larynx, bronchi, and this is much more dangerous, since air access is blocked.

In the form of peeling, redness, cracks, skin allergies manifest themselves. In contact with the irritant, atopic eczema develops with damage to the face and head and the whole body. Most often, children under 2 years of age suffer from this. Another common reaction is hives. It manifests itself in the form of itchy blisters, similar to nettle burns, which spread over the skin very quickly.

Allergic conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye, manifested by lacrimation or accumulation of pus, itching, swelling and redness. The condition is very unpleasant, but treatable.

Guinea pig allergy symptoms can appear at different times. In especially sensitive people, the reaction occurs almost instantly and even without contact with the animal, just when you are in the room where the pet was.

The allergen in the body can accumulate, postponing the open manifestation of the disease. Sooner or later it becomes active. Knowing the symptoms is half the success in dealing with allergies. If you start treatment in early stage easier to achieve positive results.

Treatment

A guinea pig allergy cannot be completely cured because it is a hereditary tendency of the body. But if you resort to the help of a competent doctor, he will prescribe a course of treatment and means for prevention, which will reduce the manifestations of allergies to a minimum.

Medical

Edema respiratory tract requires a serious approach to avoid suffocation, loss of consciousness and anaphylactic shock. Antihistamines are commonly used for treatment. They must be used with caution due to side effects associated with weakness, increased stress on the heart, kidneys, nervous system.

Three generations of antihistamine drugs have been developed, the last one has a minimal negative effect on the body. In serious situations and at the time of exacerbations and attacks, hormonal preparations- corticosteroids.

If an attack occurs, before the doctors arrive, the patient should be given a sedative (panic due to suffocation will aggravate the situation) and put him in safe posture, which does not allow the retraction of the tongue.

Allergic rhinitis is effectively treated with nasal sprays and drops during an exacerbation. Hygienic nasal rinsing solutions can be used daily for prevention: regular airway cleaning reduces the manifestation of allergies. Antihistamines are required. Accumulating in the body, they stabilize the condition.

In the fight against skin allergies, much attention is paid to the local effect on the affected areas with ointments and compresses. But in order for the treatment to progress, they are used in combination with antihistamines.

Attention! A progressive method of treating allergies has been developed, which gives a long-term effect. The human immune system is "trained": the stimulus gene is determined, then it is introduced into the body in small doses, gradually increasing the concentration. Adaptation may take at least a year, but as a result, allergies to guinea pigs are very rare.

If an allergy caused conjunctivitis, the basic antihistamine treatment should be combined with local symptomatic - drops to correct work. lacrimal ducts anti-inflammatory lotions. Complicated flow eye allergy also corrected with corticosteroids, histamine blockers, but only under the supervision of a specialist.

Folk methods

Traditional medicine offers allergy sufferers many ways to get rid of the disease. Homemade recipes have their advantages and disadvantages. These drugs are safe, do not adversely affect other organs, are combined with essential drugs and are suitable for prevention. But if the diagnosis is serious, there is a tendency to seizures, then do not experiment.

For children and pregnant women, self-medication with folk methods is contraindicated. Suitable drugs will be prescribed by an allergist.

Herbal infusions are taken orally for any manifestations of allergy to animals.

Dry herbs are first steamed with boiling water, then brought to a boil and filtered. It is necessary to be treated with decoctions for at least one and a half months, some can be taken for six months, the main thing is regularity. Burdock roots, medicinal chamomile, St. John's wort, yarrow, dandelion - these plants relieve allergy symptoms, strengthen the immune system.

With skin allergies, the herbal bath relieves itching and restores the epidermis. The best option- a course of baths with the addition of a series. It is necessary to prepare a decoction, strain and add to the water at a comfortable temperature. The method is good because it will not harm even small children with sensitive skin. Lotions from the series will enhance the effect of baths and relieve inflammation.

Based on decoctions medicinal herbs soothing ointments and creams are being prepared. A decoction of one plant or a complex collection is prepared, filtered, added to petroleum jelly or lard and mixed thoroughly. The finished product is applied topically to areas affected by allergies.

Important! Follow the recommendations traditional medicine it is possible only in the case when there is no reaction to herbs, pollen, honey. All of these products are themselves natural allergens. For hypersensitive people, the described techniques will be harmful.

Herbal infusions used as drops will cure the eyes. Aloe juice, diluted with water in a ratio of 1:10, will relieve pus. Inflammation will be removed by honey diluted with water in a ratio of 2: 1. Use it like drops or lotion.

Lifestyle change

Treatment can be selected competently and accurately, the most effective drugs, but positive result will come only after a revision of the lifestyle.

Allergy sufferers should follow these guidelines:

  1. Regular physical exercise and hardening strengthen the body, increase its protective potential against irritants.
  2. Rejection bad habits required. The use of alcohol and drugs wears out all organ systems, smoking affects respiratory system, which is fraught with allergies.
  3. Bath or shower - daily, washing and washing hands - as often as possible during the day.
  4. At home there should not be thick curtains, fleecy carpets, an abundance of soft toys. The fewer dust collector surfaces, the easier it is to deal with the allergen;
  5. Wet cleaning - according to the schedule. Every day you need to wipe the dust, wash the floors and vacuum.

The most popular question asked by pet owners is related to the fate of the pet. Is it necessary to give away a guinea pig, is it possible to adapt to living together with her? After all, the doctor's first requirement is to neutralize the cause of the allergy.

If the owner has not encountered a severe form of intolerance, subject to strict rules, the rodent can remain in the family.

Attention! If you follow all the requirements for cleanliness and hygiene, the presence of an antigen carrier in the house may become invisible to the immune system, and it will stop giving alarms.

conclusions

Guinea pigs do cause allergies. However, medicine in our time is developing steadily and does not stand still. Through the efforts of doctors and scientists, people have learned to treat allergies, it has long been no longer a sentence. Even a hypersensitive allergic person can afford to live a full life and enjoy communicating with his beloved pet and watching him. But with an irresponsible attitude to prescriptions and limits, with an unwillingness to observe everyday discipline, the reaction of the body will not weaken, it will exhaust the body. It is much easier to pull yourself together and resist allergies according to all the rules.

In contact with

Guinea pigs are well-known and loved by many rodents, domesticated more than two and a half thousand years ago. But not every person can afford to have this cute creature at home, even with all his love for him. Of course, in themselves they do not carry any harm, but some people cannot physically be near them. The reason is quite simple - it's a banal allergy. The same as on other pets, dust, pollen or the smell of flowers. Therefore, to the question of whether there is an allergy to a guinea pig, the answer is unequivocal - it happens.

It would be more accurate to say that this is an allergy to wool (in most cases), saliva, “dandruff” (small skin flakes that are constantly between the hairs, even if the pet has just been bathed), animal waste products. Cause allergic reaction- the substance keratin, which is found in wool. This substance of protein origin causes the active activity of class E immunoglobulins. Such an interaction of substances in the body provokes the release of histamines from cells, which provokes the external manifestation of allergies.

Symptoms, manifestations and diagnosis of allergies

Most often, people get pets without thinking that they may have allergies. Especially if there were no animals in the house before. In this case, the presence of an allergic reaction is determined, so to speak, "in combat conditions." The symptoms are very simple - a runny nose, sneezing, inflammation of the mucous membrane, itching and redness of the skin. If this was not observed before the appearance of a guinea pig in the house, then almost 100% can be argued that the reason for this hypersensitivity organism has become a pet.

But there are prudent people who first find out everything. To determine if a person is allergic to a substance, a special allergy test is performed. It detects a substance that the body perceives too sensitively: if redness appears on the skin area on which the test was performed after a quarter of an hour, this is a sign of an allergy.

To identify an allergy specifically to guinea pigs, you can also take a blood test for the presence of antibodies.

But there is one easiest and free way to identify allergies. It is enough to come to friends who have a guinea pig, or to a pet store. It is enough that you hold the animal in your hands for a couple of minutes so that the allergy, if any, makes itself felt.

Can allergies be cured?

Often, the treatment of allergic reactions to guinea pigs is reduced to symptomatic actions. But modern medicine stepped far ahead. This also applies to the treatment of allergies of any nature. For this, the patient is prescribed antihistamines - harmless substances that do not disrupt coordination, do not cause drowsiness and other side effects. Enterosorbents are also used, which act on the principle of a sponge - they absorb substances that provoke allergic reactions, after which they are excreted from the body naturally.

It is very important that the treatment is limited in time, otherwise the body will get used to it and the drugs will stop working. And after the main course of treatment, the scheme must be changed.

But despite active use such drugs, an allergy cannot be completely cured, it can only be “healed”. This, however, in most cases is enough for a quiet life. The main thing is to minimize the factors provoking it, to strengthen general state organism and immunity, since people who have chronic diseases often get colds.

Allergy Prevention

No matter how sad it may be, but the most effective prophylactic is the removal of the allergen from one's environment. That is, if there are no medications do not help get rid of allergies or it has become aggravated, the first thing to do is find a new owner for your pet. But this is the most extreme case. If the manifestations of an allergic reaction are not so significant, you can simply minimize direct contact with the animal - let him run in another room, and the cage in which the guinea pig is at night and most of the day is in the kitchen or in another room. It is also recommended to regularly clean the air and disinfect the cage. It is not the one who suffers from allergies who should take care of the guinea pig, and if this is not possible, it is better to bathe and feed the pig with gloves. After playing with an animal or feeding, be sure to wash your hands with soap and water, and those who have severe allergy It is even recommended to change clothes.

Many people think that guinea pigs cause allergies because of their fur, but this is actually not the case. The main allergen is the dead "husk" on the skin of guinea pigs, as well as the saliva and urine of the animal. Allergy symptoms occur due to the fact that the husk comes into direct contact with the skin of a person and enters his respiratory tract during inhalation of air. An allergy to guinea pigs is provoked by an individual allergen - a specific immunoglobulin E6, produced in epithelial cells guinea pig. The reaction occurs due to an increase in the production of histamine.

As a rule, an allergic reaction to a guinea pig appears quite quickly - in the first days of coexistence with a rodent or direct contact with it. But for most allergy sufferers, exacerbation manifests itself in different ways. For example, some people experience severe discomfort due to itching (in most cases, a rash on the skin of the face) or swelling in the eye area. Others experience dry skin, after which cracks appear on the skin. There have been cases when an allergic reaction manifested itself in the form of systematic bouts of severe choking cough.

Guinea pig allergy symptoms

Allergy to guinea pig is manifested in the form of the following symptoms:

Dyspnea;

Dry cough;

Urticaria, redness of the skin, pruritus;

Itching and redness of the mucous membrane of the eyes;

sudden runny nose;

Excessive tearing and sneezing.

If the above symptoms appear upon contact with the guinea pig or objects that it has ever touched (bedding, sawdust in the cage), it is necessary to take a blood test and skin tests for allergies. These studies do not require special preparation. The result is not affected by the use of antihistamines. Tell your doctor if you are taking glucocorticoids. Normally, the indicator should be less than 0.35 kU / L or negative.

A person who has been diagnosed with an allergy to guinea pigs at least once in his life should understand that this phenomenon can be repeated periodically and therefore it is imperative to get rid of the allergen.

Guinea Pig Allergy Treatment

Guinea pig allergy treatment should be timely. The sooner it starts, the more likely it is to cure the allergy completely. After the elimination of the pathogenic allergen, the allergist determines an alternative treatment regimen, which includes preparations of both external and internal use. Treatment is selected individually, but it necessarily includes complexes of minerals and vitamins that are necessary to strengthen immune system.

As a rule, the following drugs are used to treat allergies: Suprastin (Chloropyramine), Pipolfen (Promethazine) and Tavegil (Clemastin).

Sometimes even such a cute-looking “animal” as a guinea pig can cause a serious anomaly in the human body, which is very difficult to cure, which is why you need to be careful about choosing pets so that you don’t have to think about where to attach them later.

Love for cute animals wakes up in people from childhood. At a young age, children persistently ask their parents to have a pet, but sometimes even the most harmless animals can provoke a negative reaction of the body. How to understand if home is an allergen pet, and how an allergy to guinea pigs manifests itself, we will understand in this article.

Causes of Allergy

An adverse reaction of the body can be caused by many factors, ranging from the animal itself to the objects of its content (dust coming from sawdust or hay, feed, etc.). It is believed that guinea pig allergies are more likely to be caused by tactile contact with wool, but there are a number of other causes.

The causative agents of allergies include the following:

  • Keratin secreted in the saliva or excrement of a guinea pig.
  • Animal sweat secretions.
  • Dandruff.
  • Rodent skin.

Allergy defensive reaction human body causes the production of immunoglobulin class E from mast cells pet (antibodies that our body perceives as foreign). They are located on subcutaneous tissue, on mucous membranes, near blood vessels, near lymph nodes, in the spleen.

Who can get allergies?

When answering the question of whether there is an allergy to guinea pigs, it should be noted that, of course, it happens, but not all are susceptible to it. To test your reaction body, before you get an animal, you can tinker with other people's pets, which is also not entirely safe. The best way- undergo a special test for an allergic reaction.

Usually, a tendency to painful irritations is detected in children or adults with a weakened immune system. And also signs of allergies can occur in pregnant women, they personally should protect themselves from any contact with the animal.

It is important to understand that dogs, cats and rodents can be completely different. It should not be assumed that if a guinea pig has an allergy, the same will happen when in contact with other animals, and similarly in the opposite case. The fact is that these animals have a different structure of wool, smell, etc.

By using medical examinations you can check in advance if a person is allergic to guinea pigs.

Signs of the disease

Symptoms of guinea pig allergy that occur with tactile contact:

  • Irritation, redness, rash on the body. May be accompanied by itching.
  • Puffiness in the eyelids, redness of the mucous membranes, pain and burning in the eye area, profuse tearing.
  • Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing.
  • Dry cough, sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose and throat.
  • Dry skin.

The onset of an allergy to guinea pigs usually occurs immediately after the first contact, sometimes in the first 2-3 days. Of all the signs of an allergy, one thing can appear, so you need to be very careful. If at least one symptom appears after contact with an animal, you should immediately contact an allergist. Allergy to guinea pigs in children and adults has the same symptoms.

First aid for detecting allergies

Having found signs of an allergy, you should immediately protect the victim from the animal. Then take anti-allergic drugs and call a doctor at home.

While waiting for the ambulance, it is worth changing into clean clothes, as the irritant can be on the clothes and further provoke a negative reaction. If it is difficult for a person to stand with difficulty breathing, he should be comfortably positioned on the bed and ensure maximum access to fresh air.

If the victim is afraid, they should be talked to and reassured immediately. A negative mental state and an emotional outburst can aggravate the situation, especially if a person is experiencing an allergic attack for the first time. Then everything will depend on the recommendations of doctors.

Prevention methods

most faithful and effective way defeat the disease - try to avoid contact with the animal, or at least make it minimal.

In order for guinea pigs not to cause allergies, you should:

  • Move the cage away from the bedroom.
  • Do not touch the rodent without protection. In case of contact, gloves and a respirator can be used.
  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after contact.
  • Don't bring it close to your face.
  • Shift the responsibility for animal care to other family members.
  • Use an air purifier.
  • Carefully approach the choice of hay or sawdust.
  • Do not place your pet on furniture.
  • Bathe your pet regularly and ensure daily cleaning.
  • Change into different clothes when cleaning the cage.
  • By following a few tips, you can protect your health.

It happens that it is not guinea pigs that cause allergies, but the filler in the cage. If this is true, you should replace sawdust or hay with special absorbent mats or oilcloth.

Allergy Diagnosis

You can test for allergies to guinea pigs using diagnostic procedures. To do this, they take. Thus, doctors determine what is the real irritant for the disease.

This method applies only to those people who do not suffer from asthma, urticaria, blood and liver disease, heart disease, acute chronic diseases, sore throats and colds. Also, this method will be denied to people who take hormonal drugs.

There is another way to determine allergies, in which a blood test is taken for the content of IgE antibodies. In the course of research, doctors determine how the body reacts to epidermal and animal proteins.

Treatment

Pigs can also be treated at home, if there is confidence that the reason for the negative reaction of the body is precisely being near the animal. In this case, it is better for the pet to determine a different location, otherwise a long persistent treatment may be left without a result.

If obvious symptoms are found, the following should be used for treatment: antihistamines:

  • "Erius". The drug is in the form of tablets or syrup. Helps in a short time to cope with physical ailments against the background of allergies. Has no side effects. However, before use, you should make sure that there is no individual intolerance.
  • "Ksizal". It is used to neutralize any kind of allergy. Can be taken by children from 2 years of age. Should not be taken during pregnancy.
  • "Zyrtec". Removes some manifestations of negative reactions. Allowed for babies from 6 months of age.
  • "L-set". Helps relieve swelling in case of allergies, improve nasal breathing reduces other symptoms. Suitable for adults and children from 6 years of age.

To get rid of rashes and redness of the skin, creams and ointments are used.

If even minor signs of allergy appear, it is still strongly recommended to consult a doctor to make sure of the causes of the disease and get recommendations for treatment.

Are there non-allergenic guinea pig breeds?

Faced with the fact that guinea pigs cause allergies, many are wondering: are there breeds to which the body will react normally?

Of course, if the fur causes allergic reactions, then you can choose another, less fluffy breed. But when it comes to the enzymes that the animal secretes, then it is pointless to look for an alternative. You can get another animal, making sure that contact with it does not cause allergies.

It is not the fault of animals that people may experience unpleasant consequences. In no case should they be treated as "distributors of infection." Many people have a predisposition to certain natural features of animals. Someone does not tolerate the smell of dogs, others do not get cats because of the wool, rodents are not suitable for someone.

How to care for animals to minimize the likelihood of allergies?

It is best if the family member who is well tolerated by contact with the animal will take care of his beloved pig. The first rule is to keep the cage and the pet itself clean. That is, wet cleaning and cleaning of the cage should be regular, if not daily. You should also bathe the animal more often, but here you need to understand how useful it is for him, and observe the temperature regimes so that the pet does not get sick. The filler must be used only of the highest quality. It is unlikely to cause a negative reaction of the body. What types of filler are suitable for guinea pigs, they will tell you at the pet store. It is necessary to ventilate the room and clean the air in the apartment regularly so that harmful substances do not linger in the room for a long time.

Guinea pigs belong to the class of mammals and the order of rodents. They are characterized by a white, brown or multi-colored color, and the coat is fluffy and long or short, hard and thick. The name of the breed, at first glance, can be considered strange: the animal is afraid of water and does not even have a distant relationship with a pig.

However, in fact, the first part came from the shortened word "overseas", which means "brought from afar" - the historical homeland of rodents is not Europe at all, but South America. The second is explained even more simply: demanding food or the attention of the owner, the animal makes sounds resembling grunting. Due to the small size, unpretentiousness in the conditions of detention and touching appearance many people choose it as pet. However, both children and adults can develop an allergy to guinea pig - it manifests itself respiratory disorders, adverse changes in the skin and mucous membranes.

The reasons

People who are predisposed to individual sensitivity reactions are forced to abandon the maintenance of many pets - someone sneezes next to dogs, it becomes difficult for someone to breathe after cleaning the parrot's cage. And guinea pigs can also be allergic - if the immune system of the person in contact with it perceives it as a potential threat:

  1. Scales of skin, wool.
  2. Saliva.
  3. Urine, feces.

All these media contain proteins (proteins) to which specific sensitivity (sensitization) is formed; in response to their entry into the body, even in a small amount, protective complexes are released that are involved in the development of an allergic reaction - antibodies.

In addition, people may experience intolerance to:

  • feed components;
  • toilet filler;
  • bedding;
  • hair care products.

The cause of sensitivity is dust - it settles in the cage, on surfaces in the house, on clothes and shoes, and even on the animal itself with improper care. Rising into the air, it contains tiny particles of wool, saliva and secretions that enter the human respiratory tract.

Does allergy vary by breed?

There are many varieties of guinea pigs - each person can choose the cutest animal for him:

Of course, it is hard to deny that it is easier to notice fleas on an animal without a fluffy coat, it is easier to take care of it - including bathing; no need for constant brushing. However, if the cause of sensitivity is saliva or other secretions, even bald pets are dangerous to health and should not be kept at home. Allergic potential, that is, the ability to provoke intolerance reactions, is in any guinea pig - and susceptibility to it does not depend on the breed, but on the characteristics of the immune system of a particular person.

Symptoms

The guinea pig is an animal that is often picked up. At the same time, a person imperceptibly inhales allergens for himself, and also transfers them from the pet's fur to his own skin, mucous membranes. Signs of reaction can be divided into several main groups:

  1. Skin.
  2. Catarrhal.
  3. Quincke's edema.
  4. Bronchospasm.

They are observed not only separately, but also in combination, the severity of the course varies - sometimes the symptoms are mild and disappear quickly after contact with the animal is stopped, in other cases they can pose a serious threat to the health and even life of the patient.

Skin manifestations

it various signs dermatitis that occurs immediately upon contact with allergens or some time after it (several hours later):

  • redness;
  • edema;
  • the presence of a rash (blisters, vesicles, spots);
  • peeling;
  • feeling of dryness, tightness.

Urticaria is likely - in this case, blisters form on the surface of reddened and swollen skin. They itch very strongly, can cover the entire body, but more often affect individual areas. Appear and disappear suddenly, with no scarring or secondary elements of the rash. At the same time, there is an increase in body temperature, weakness, headache. This type of dermatitis is an example of an immediate allergic reaction.

With a delayed variant of the course, dryness, the appearance of itchy spots and vesicles, swelling and redness are more characteristic. These signs persist for several days, regress gradually, and can cause significant discomfort to the patient.

Catarrhal manifestations

A group of signs characterized by changes in the mucous membranes:

  • nose (rhinitis);
  • throat (pharyngitis);
  • eye (conjunctivitis)

The following symptoms of a guinea pig allergy are observed:

  1. Runny nose with clear liquid discharge.
  2. Sneezing, coughing, sore throat.
  3. Redness of the eyes, itching and swelling of the eyelids, copious secretion of lacrimal fluid.

Syndromes of rhinitis, pharyngitis and conjunctivitis are often combined with each other, their signs appear within a few minutes after contact with the animal; they can also join skin manifestations. Sometimes the reaction is so pronounced that the patient completely loses the ability to breathe through the nose or is faced with swelling of the eyelids, which does not allow opening the eyes.

Quincke's edema

This is a type of allergic reaction of an immediate type, in which swelling develops:

  • mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, etc.

Edema has a dense texture, may be asymmetric. Symptoms range from a burning sensation and swelling of the affected areas to abdominal pain and respiratory failure. Localization in the larynx is considered the most dangerous: this area has a narrow lumen, and the resulting swelling interferes with the passage of air, creating prerequisites for the development of asphyxia - suffocation. Objectively, the process is characterized by:

  1. Hoarseness of voice.
  2. "Barking" cough.
  3. Increasing shortness of breath.
  4. Dizziness, weakness, panic.

The patient breathes noisily, forcing air into the lungs with difficulty; his face first becomes cyanotic (cyanotic), then pale, there is a serious risk to life. Even after the relief (cessation) of the symptoms of Quincke's edema with medicines hoarseness of voice persists for some time, discomfort in the throat.

Bronchospasm

With this variant of the course of an allergic reaction, a narrowing of the lumen of the lower respiratory tract occurs - it develops respiratory failure. Main symptoms:

  • dyspnea;
  • feeling of lack of air, suffocation;
  • congestion in the chest;
  • dry paroxysmal cough without sputum or with its release in a small amount;
  • noisy breathing, audible even at a distance from the patient;
  • wheezing in the lungs.

Shortness of breath with bronchospasm is characterized by the fact that during its development, it is mainly exhalation that is difficult.

To facilitate movement chest, the patient can rest their hands on a stable surface. Body temperature remains normal skin cyanotic or pale.

Diagnostics

To determine if a person is allergic to guinea pigs, you can use different methods - they are more conveniently described in the table:

Study title The essence of the method Features of the interpretation of the results
Collection of anamnesis Clarification of data regarding the time of onset and duration of symptoms, animal intolerance in close relatives, etc. Allows you to compare the episode of deterioration of well-being and the presence of circumstances explaining the connection with contact with a guinea pig
Skin tests Involves applying special solutions with potential rodent allergens to the forearm or back If redness, swelling, itching, blistering occurs, the test confirms the diagnosis of sensitivity
Clinical blood test General research, in which the greatest interest is leukocyte formula An increase in the content of eosinophils (up to 5% or more) is an indirect sign of the presence of an immune response.
Antibody detection One of the most accurate tests, during which the search for specific protective immune complexes is carried out The detection of antibodies allows us to speak about the exact diagnosis of allergies.

You need to understand that the results of tests, both laboratory and skin, can be influenced by various factors:

Therefore, it is necessary to prepare for research, trying either to eliminate distorting factors, or to select methods that are insensitive to them.

Treatment

Calling an allergy a chronic process is not always correct, given that in some cases it is possible to achieve the absence of symptoms under certain conditions. However, if there are antibodies, they are immediately activated upon contact with a provocative substance - therefore the disease is persistent, permanent.

Elimination events

This is a set of actions aimed at stopping contact with antigens - substances that trigger the start of a sensitivity reaction. If the source is a guinea pig, there is only one way out - to refuse the content. Some people who do not want to part with the animal try the method of partial elimination: the pet remains in the house, but a healthy family member takes care of it. However, this is a temporary measure, and it is suitable only for those who do not experience severe symptoms- especially if the pet travels around the house, leaving particles of skin, hair and secretions on the floor, sofas and other surfaces.

People suffering from intolerance to food and bedding should avoid contact with those components that cause a reaction in them - for example, with fresh vegetables and fruits, grains, etc. At the same time, a guinea pig can be kept if symptoms have disappeared after replacing the provoking ingredients with safe ones.

It is also necessary:

All of these activities should be carried out continuously. Cleaning, bathing, combing should not be done by an allergic person - even if the cause of the reaction was not an animal, but food or other irritants, it is highly undesirable to increase the concentration of potential provocateurs in the inhaled air or on the skin.

Diet

In the acute period of the reaction, it is required to avoid the use of:

  1. Citrus.
  2. Orekhov.
  3. Tomato.
  4. Peanut.
  5. chocolate.
  6. Mushrooms.
  7. Milk.
  8. Spicy condiments.
  9. Sausages.
  10. Honey.
  11. Canned and others.

All products with a high or medium allergic potential are excluded - this is done, firstly, to reduce the burden on the body, and secondly, to prevent the development of additional intolerance reactions, the risk of which is seriously increased.

Food should be steamed, boiled, and the oven-baked method should be used instead of frying. It is worth introducing soft fruits and vegetables into the diet - preferably in a thermally processed form (allergen proteins are destroyed in them), as well as lean meats and fish. Whole milk is prohibited, but you can eat cottage cheese, low-fat sour cream, drink kefir and yogurt. It is important to maintain fluid balance by drinking water without gas.

Medical therapy

Treatment pharmacological preparations it is necessary to stop the signs of an acute reaction and course intake during the period of symptom subsidence to prevent the development of complications. The regimen may include drugs such as:

  • antihistamines (Cetrin, Eden);
  • topical glucocorticosteroids (Mometasone, Elokom);
  • beta2-agonists (Salbutamol), etc.

They are available in the form of tablets, ointments and creams, aerosols for inhalation. For emergency care injectable forms of Prednisolone, Dexamethasone, Adrenaline, Suprastin, etc. are used.

Main medicine are drugs from the group of H1-receptor blockers of histamine - tablets should be carried by every patient with allergies.

These are Cetirizine, Zirtek, Erius and other drugs that help eliminate skin and catarrhal symptoms, complement therapy in the treatment of angioedema and other pathologies associated with a reaction to a rodent. Medications can be taken at the first sign of sensitivity to reduce their intensity or stop altogether. Topical glucocorticosteroids are indicated in the presence of dermatitis, beta2-agonists - to combat bronchospasm.