A portion of the population have horse allergy. In accordance with the type of allergy, the following reactions may show:
* Rashes or hives * Watery eyes * Itchy skin, eyes or nose * Asthma attacks * Difficulty in breathing * Sneezing or coughing
The initial encounter with horses is best enjoyed by closely examining if one has an allergy. Precaution must be undertaken by the asthmatic individual because an asthma attack, which may be fatal under extreme conditions, may develop from a horse allergy. Moreover, if one is asthmatic, precautionary steps, like getting an inhaler or medicine ready, must be taken especially when dealing with horse for the first time. Keeping an eye on asthmatic children who get acquainted with horses for the first time is also a must.
Horse allergy is usually triggered by horse dander. The specks of skin that look like dandruff and hair collected from a horse are what compose dander. Horse mites, specifically their droppings, are another factor to horse allergy. An allergic reaction may also be set off by horse saliva or urine.
Through indirect contact, an allergy attack may be set off even without directly encountering horses. Mite droppings and dander, for instance, can be passed on to someones tack or clothes. They stick to clothing, rugs and blankets, thus, coming in contact with these things can cause allergy. A case in point happened when a non- horse riding family member suffered allergy attacks due to coming in contact with the clothing and riding gear of another horse-riding family member upon coming home. With this likelihood, one should take precaution, like changing clothes and cleaning off tack before leaving for home. In addition, it is recommended to avoid getting inside barns or places where horses have been even if at the moment they are away to avoid reactions.
Treatment
The treatment options for horse allergies are much similar to other types of allergies; staying clear of triggers is foremost, but medicines like corticosteroids, anti-histamines and desensitizing agents may also serve well. A doctor's advice regarding these alternatives is important.
If being with horses is unavoidable, an examination to spot the element of the horse that a person is reactive to may be in order as this will ascertain the method to best address the allergy.
* When dander is tested to be the cause, allergic riders need not worry so much over the 'curly horse' breeds because they have been reported not to cause an attack.
* 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.
* Underscoring horse urine as the allergen, shunning affected areas like the horse box and cleaning the horse may make it feasible for allergic people to be with horses.
* Through proper identification of the allergen a person is sensitive to, allergy attacks can be prevented allowing him to tolerate the presence of horses. - 30286
* Rashes or hives * Watery eyes * Itchy skin, eyes or nose * Asthma attacks * Difficulty in breathing * Sneezing or coughing
The initial encounter with horses is best enjoyed by closely examining if one has an allergy. Precaution must be undertaken by the asthmatic individual because an asthma attack, which may be fatal under extreme conditions, may develop from a horse allergy. Moreover, if one is asthmatic, precautionary steps, like getting an inhaler or medicine ready, must be taken especially when dealing with horse for the first time. Keeping an eye on asthmatic children who get acquainted with horses for the first time is also a must.
Horse allergy is usually triggered by horse dander. The specks of skin that look like dandruff and hair collected from a horse are what compose dander. Horse mites, specifically their droppings, are another factor to horse allergy. An allergic reaction may also be set off by horse saliva or urine.
Through indirect contact, an allergy attack may be set off even without directly encountering horses. Mite droppings and dander, for instance, can be passed on to someones tack or clothes. They stick to clothing, rugs and blankets, thus, coming in contact with these things can cause allergy. A case in point happened when a non- horse riding family member suffered allergy attacks due to coming in contact with the clothing and riding gear of another horse-riding family member upon coming home. With this likelihood, one should take precaution, like changing clothes and cleaning off tack before leaving for home. In addition, it is recommended to avoid getting inside barns or places where horses have been even if at the moment they are away to avoid reactions.
Treatment
The treatment options for horse allergies are much similar to other types of allergies; staying clear of triggers is foremost, but medicines like corticosteroids, anti-histamines and desensitizing agents may also serve well. A doctor's advice regarding these alternatives is important.
If being with horses is unavoidable, an examination to spot the element of the horse that a person is reactive to may be in order as this will ascertain the method to best address the allergy.
* When dander is tested to be the cause, allergic riders need not worry so much over the 'curly horse' breeds because they have been reported not to cause an attack.
* 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.
* Underscoring horse urine as the allergen, shunning affected areas like the horse box and cleaning the horse may make it feasible for allergic people to be with horses.
* Through proper identification of the allergen a person is sensitive to, allergy attacks can be prevented allowing him to tolerate the presence of horses. - 30286
