I need help for someone whose baby is allergic to her cats..

[Di]

Hi,

It's been a LONG time since I posted. I hope everyone here is ok.

I have a cyberfroiend whose 5 month old baby is allergic to her cats.
She had 5. She just sent 3 to a shelter today.

The baby was tested by a pediatric allergist and is allergic to cats and dust mites. She sent me an e-mail last night and said:

We have tried air cleaners, filters on the vents and furnace, washing the cats, washing the walls and carpets and bedding, keeping anthony out of our room, etc. nothing seems to be working. he still is congested during the day and is constantly rubbing his nose and eyes to the point where his poor little eyes and nose are swollen from rubbing. he wakes severely congested from night sleep or day sleep. but as soon as he's out of the house, he is fine. he's been fine at anyone elses home.
~~~

Does anyone have ANY other things that might help.

If you could e-me that would be great. I will try and check in here soon. Time is of the essence. I am really hoping there is something else that she can try that will work.

Di
e-mail jand@fnol.net

[Traci]

Di, did your friend get a second opinion? That would be the first thing to approach. If all the common processes of elimination have been tried, it's time to get another opinion to rule out other possible causes, may not even be allergen-related at all.

On another note, I recently read a literature bit on dust mites and other type mites around the home. While the literature was focused on pet allergens, it also covered some human issues. There are various types of house mites that can affect humans, and some of the sources are not often thought of, such as food sources (cereals and grains, etc), various types of materials in the home (bedding, textured cloths, rugs,etc)......so these are just a few things your friend can bring up with her pediatrician.

Tell your friend not to automatically assume the pets are the culprit. Get a second opinion, be prepared for more allergy testing or process of elimination but it is sad to assume the pets "have to go" when it may not be pet dander, etc at all.