April 21, 2012 12:00 am by Lawrence Gerson, V.M.D.

Spring is in full bloom, and peak allergy season is not far behind. just like people, pets react to inhaled allergens.

Ask anyone with a black car if tree pollens are out this time of year, as you can actually see the pollen on the surface of a clean car. Later in the season grass pollens fill the air followed by the weeds late in the summer. Add in the possibility of food allergies, and in some cases flea allergy, and that is why we see itchy pets until winter sets in.

Additionally molds, dust and a number of other substances can stimulate an itchy reaction in pets. Sneezing and a runny nose are not seen as much in pets. What we see is itching, especially of the face and feet, as well as ear and skin irritation. we often call the itchy condition atopy.

Atopy and its associated hot spots and ear problems are the most common ailments we see in companion animals. Some dogs can be itchy without any skin lesions. others scratch themselves and create open bleeding sores.

Owners may learn to avoid exposure to the outdoors with allergic pets. Keeping pets away from fresh cut grass or high weeds can help prevent reactions. Even a simple bath can remove allergens and reduce itching. Some of these dogs do not need treatment, but some do better with a prescription for antihistamines.

Moderately affected dogs may require antihistamines and corticosteroids. Veterinarians must use corticosteroids carefully due to the side effects of increasing water consumption and urine output. many a dog has had urine accidents in the home from too much medication. Owners are always cautioned to use as little corticosteroid medication as possible to provide relief from allergy symptoms. after controlling atopy we taper the dose of corticosteroids to an every other day schedule when possible to not further suppress the adrenal gland. The cortico-steroids are anti-inflammatory and help to stop the body from reacting to the allergen.

Severe problems in dogs can be seen when allergies persist for a prolonged period of time and dogs have irritated their face and feet. Some of the severe atopy in dogs requires allergy testing and hypo sensitization. this process is similar to allergy injections in people with a slow increase in exposure to antigens. The process can be difficult and not always successful after months or even a year of injections. The benefit is, if injections work, we can decrease the use of other medication.

Recently we have been using cyclosporine as an immune modulator to decrease the reaction to allergens. although expensive and with some potential side effects, cyclosporine can be useful to decrease the chronic use of corticosteroids. this new treatment may be safer in the long run to help animals be more comfortable.

In pets that are itchy all year we sometimes suspect foods as an additional factor. Special diets with limited antigens of protein and carbohydrates are sometimes tried in a food elimination trial. many pets will benefit from diets of fish and potatoes because of the limiting of other antigens in the regular food and the high fatty acids in the fish. Owners who change their pet diets to lamb or fish will make it more difficult to use that type of diet in a food trial later in life. When we have an itchy pet we always make sure they are on a good diet and we often supplement with omega-3 fatty acid supplements.

Flea season brings a whole new set of pets into the office. Even if no fleas are seen on exam, fleas can be an issue as pets react to the flea saliva. Combine an allergic pet with a few flea bites, and it can have a massive breakout of skin issues. Cats can often groom off fleas, and veterinarians often have to look for flea dirt or observe the distribution pattern of the hair loss.

Cats are seen at the veterinary office for a variety of skin issues. Flea allergy and other itchy conditions are often treated with a long-acting corticosteroid injection. although less of a problem with side effects, caution is again advised because diabetes in cats can be an issue with too frequent injections.

Dogs that are itchy can scratch or chew large open sores called “hot spots” very quickly. these hot spots need to be shaved, cleaned and treated before they progress to larger and deeper wounds. Topical and oral antibiotics and corticosteroids are used to help these hot spots to heal. Additionally tranquilizers and Elizabethan collars are sometimes needed to prevent self trauma.

Veterinarians see ear infections in pets daily. although we usually use a combination with topical antibiotics, corticosteroid and yeast medications along with an ear cleaner, the underlining problem is often atopy.

Once a pet's skin is irritated, skin infections can be the primary or secondary problem. Weeks of appropriate antibiotic therapy may be needed to get skin infections under control.

Allergies in pets can be mild, moderate or severe. getting a proper diagnosis and treatment is critical to control atopy, and that can make pets more comfortable throughout the allergy season.

Pertussis (whopping cough) is very contagious and can cause serious illness especially in infants too young to be fully vaccinated. Make sure your children get their recommended five shots on time. Teen and adult vaccination is also important, especially for families with newborns.Pertussis (whopping cough) is caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. Among vaccine-preventable diseases, pertussis is one of the most commonly occurring ones in the United States.Pertussis Vaccine ProtectionThere is high vaccine coverage for children nationwide. however, protection from the childhood vaccine fades over time. Adolescents and adults need to be revaccinated, even if they were completely vaccinated as children.Also, pertussis vaccines are very effective but not 100 percent effective. If pertussis is circulating in the community, there is still a chance that a fully vaccinated person can catch this very contagious disease. When you or your child develops a cold that includes a prolonged or severe cough, it may be pertussis. The best way to know is to contact your doctor.Pertussis SymptomsPertussis can cause serious illness in infants, children and adults. The disease starts like the common cold, with runny nose or congestion, sneezing, and maybe mild cough or fever. But after one-two weeks, severe coughing can begin.unlike the common cold, pertussis can become a series of coughing fits that continues for weeks. Pertussis can cause violent and rapid coughing, over and over, until the air is gone from the lungs and you are forced to inhale with a loud “whopping” sound.  In infants, the cough can be minimal or not even there.Infants may have a symptom known as “apnea.” Apnea is a pause in the child’s breathing pattern.Disease ComplicationsPertussis is most severe for babies; more than half of infants younger than one year of age who get the disease must be hospitalized. About one in five infants with pertussis get pneumonia (lung infection), and about one in 100 will have convulsions. In rare cases (one in 100), pertussis can be deadly, especially in infants.how Pertussis SpreadsPeople with pertussis usually spread the disease by coughing or sneezing while in close contact with others, who then breathe in the pertussis bacteria. many infants who get pertussis are infected by parents, older siblings, or other caregivers who might not even know they have the disease.Pertussis OutbreaksReported cases of whopping cough vary from year to year and tend to peak every three-five years. In 2010, 27,550 cases of pertussis were reported in the U.S.-and many more cases go unreported. Twenty-seven deaths were reported – 25 of these deaths were in children younger than one year old. Since the 1980s, there’s been an increase in the number of cases of pertussis, especially among teens (10-19 years of age) and babies younger than six months of age.Preventing PertussisThe best way to prevent pertussis is to get vaccinated. Parents can also help protect infants by keeping them away as much as possible from anyone who has cold symptoms or is coughing.Vaccine RecommendationsFor Infants and Children: In the US, the recommended pertussis vaccine for children is called DTaP. this is a safe and effective combination vaccine that protects children against three diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. for maximum protection against pertussis, children need five DTaP shots. The first three shots are given at two, four and six months of age. The fourth shot is given between 15 and 18 months of age, and a fifth shot is given when a child enters school, at four-six years of age. If a seven-10 year old is not up-to-date with DTaP vaccines, a dose of Tdap should be given  before the 11-12 year old check up.for pre-teens and adolescents: vaccine protection for pertussis, tetanus, and diphtheria can fade with time. Pre-teens going to the doctor for their regular check-up at age 11 or 12 years should get a booster vaccine, called Tdap. Teens and young adults who didn’t get a booster as a pre-teen should get one dose when they visit their health care provider.for Adults: Adults who didn’t get Tdap as a pre-teen or teen should get one dose of Tdap. most pregnant women who were not previously vaccinated with Tdap should get one dose of Tdap postpartum before leaving the hospital or birthing center. Getting vaccinated with Tdap is especially important for families with and caregivers of new infants. Adults 65 years and older who have close contact with infants should get a dose of Tdap, following the newest vaccine recommendations.The easiest thing for adults to do is to get Tdap instead of their next regular tetanus booster-the Td shot that is recommended for adults every 10 years. The dose of Tdap can be given earlier than the 10-year mark, so it’s a good idea for adults to talk to a health care provider about what’s best for their specific situation.for more information regarding Pertussis, contact the Pike County Health Department, Home Health & Hospice at (573) 324-2111.Source:  cdc.gov/Features/pertussis/

I have a throat infection that hurts really bad, no runny nose or other symptoms at all. the doctor said it was probably a virus but he gave me antibiotics anyway. Should I take the antibiotics? Could it be bacterial?

If he did indeed prescribe you antibiotics, you should take them most likely. He probably noticed that you had a bacterial infection in the first place. you know, you could have strep throat?Have you ever considered that?

He has had alittle cough for the past week or so, he has no temp, no runny nose. I have a little cold right now, do you think he is just get a bit of my cold? He is still his happy little self but with a cough that I hear about 5 times or so a day. my health visitor said there is nothing to worry about. Will it just go away?

My daughter sometimes used to get a slight cough when she was teething, because they produce excess saliva when they teethe and this can cause a cough apparently. If it was anything more serious like croup, then you would recognise it as a barking type cough and a steamy room is really useful for this, but it sounds like nothing to worry about. as always, just keep your eye out for any other symptoms and always speak to your Health Visitor or GP if you are worried – that's what they are there for.

It sounds like he's fine. Maybe he just has a dry or tickly throat. make sure he has plenty of water to drink and try humidifying the room a bit more. you can either buy a machine to put in his room overnight or sit with him in a steamy room for a little while every so often. That's what we do, if either of the children has a cough we sit in the bathroom with the shower running for 10 minutes. it loosens the airways.

it will either just go away or he will develop a cold. either way, not really something to worry about. if it does develop into a cold just keep him hydrated and give him tylenol to break his fever. my son just got over a cold and i was really worried the whole time, doc said i was doing everything right and that it just takes time…

Yes it will just go away. There is nothing you can really do to a baby at a young age unless it gets worse. They just tell you to ride it out and keep an eye on them! it will go away.

It could be seasonal allergies, but I doubt it.

Just keep an eye on him really.

i would take baby to doc anyway, could be your cold, reflux, or something else entirely.

Normally the health care provider knows best. He should be fine but if he gets any other signs I would take him back to see the Dr.

yes listen to your health visitor.

He will be okay. use a humidifier in the room or take him in the bathroom with the hot water going for about 20 minutes.

yeah he's fine! just you wait till the runny nose kicks in!! lasts for years!! my 3 yr old has a runny nose and cough for a few weeks now! its just the immune system learning to fight and cope with bugs! common in toddlers

may have caught your cold , or sometimes when they begin to teethe they may get a lil cough! If you are still worried call your doctor!

I am having a lot of pressure behind my nose and around my eye. I also have felt some pressure on my upper back jaw. It really frightens but I am told this is a sinus infrection. I do not have a runny nose but I do feel the occasionaly nasal drip. has anyone had similar symptoms?

it's only an infection if there is green or yellow mucus from your nose- otherwise-
it is your sinuses, but probably just allergies

hope you feel better!!

Hello from France !

I had a sinus infection one day and I had same symptoms like you + headache !
See a special doctor for nose and throat, because that can be worse, bad for your ears too !!

Have a nice day,

Catherine.

sounds like a sinus infection to me. i got them so often that i needed to have surgery for a deviated septum. i also had a lot of polyps that had to be removed.

some of the other symptoms include: fever, chills, headache, bodyaches, stuffiness.

you have to get an antibiotic to get rid of the sinus infection. don't let it go too long without seeing a doctor.

my boyfriend has old the time, don't worry it will go a way.
most happens from cigarette smell or perfume.

What are the symptoms? what should someone do if they have schizophrenia?

Its nice someone listed every symptoms known to man. The truth is some only exhibit a few of them. All individuals are different and symptoms present differently. To look at a list of symptoms is worthless unless you are a professional. Meet with a therapist in your area. Realize some people experience symptoms similiar to schizophrenia if they are using drugs, under severe distress, have a brain injury or have mood instability. Symptoms vary depending on multiple of factors and the individual. once again meet with a therapist if you don't have insurance then look up a mental health clinic in your area.

Schizophrenia is when you hear voices in your head. Usually you will talk with them and there have been cases were people have done something the voices told them to. I think you should talk to your doctor if you have schizophrenia.

If you want to talk to someone who actually has it and knows a lot about it (instead of just copies their information word for word from schizophrenia.com), e-mail me. That is not to say that schizophrenia.com isn't a good site though- it's great. Especially the discussion forums.

runny nose, diarrhea. lol
No but Schizophrenia symptoms include…. I forgot. (Hint)

and you are asking me like i should know lol,did you see my name

Started to get sick a couple days ago with a sore throat, runny nose, low grade temp of 100. now my asthma has flared up. I am short of breath, tight and wheezy in the lungs and coughing allot, however I'm not coughing any thing up. got out my Hand held nebulizer and started using it every 4-6 hours. the wheeziness is better however I am still short of breath and just feel terrible all over. does any one have any suggestions like some home remedy's or something.

You can learn about many natural asthma remedies as well as many home remedies at natural-asthmatreatment.com
Here are a few examples:
Mullein oil is used to fight respiratory congestion. it is very important to make it as a tea for faster results.

Use ginko bilboa to reduce the frequency of your asthma attacks.

A very tasteful herb for children is Lemon verbena tea. this herb reduces wheezing.

Get the doctor out or go to the hospital. If you're still short of breath after the nebuliser then you need to get help and fast. Don't mess around with home remedies. You can die from asthma, it's not something to mess about with.

about it you can get information from here clinics-medical.notlong.com/?q=singulair&sym=asthma&qid=20090530020236AA8rHSu

caffeine will only help ease an attack temporarily. You need to go to a doctor!

Its the first time Ive had a sore throat without cold or flu like symptoms so this is a little scary for me. Ive also stopped smoking for around about 2 months now also its winter here. Is this a normal thing or am i just scaring myself?

i have the same thing! just a sore throat. i mean i was tired yesterday, but i had a busy day with not so great sleep the 2 nights before.

so i think thats what it is…but im not sure and im trying to figure out what will happen next…sliiiiight runny nose too, but i dont feel like i have a cold.
and i woke up today with a sore throat stillll…ugh.

i feel alright, not usual fully healthy self….but 90% ok

also, its not cold here….

its probably just the cold irritating your throat and your probably just over reacting. it could also be caused by over use. try some hot tea, not talking for a while, and also try using humidifier. it should help. feel better:)

I would think it's fairly okay or normal. I get sore throats for a variety of reasons- normally due to allergies or sinuses. It's possible you could be having the same issues.

yeah, from viruses, colds, dry air. it'll go away.

try warm salt water gargles.

Yes early stages of infection.

I have seasonal indoor and ourdoor allergies. it seems as though whenever I experience my other symptoms – sneezing, runny nose, etc. – the inside of my ears also itch like CRAZY. It's probably worse than the other symptoms. And no, my ears do not have a lot of wax build-up… it's ONLY when I am experiencing my allergies.

Has this happened to anyone else before? What do you do about it, other than rub your ear like an insane person? thanks!

that's how i am too. because im allergic to pollen it makes my throat itch sooooo bad and its like i feel it in my ear…so i start rubbing behind my ear… so YEA

YES!!! I'm alergic to everything and I HATE it when my ears itch.

Flu is generally referred to as influenza by scientists and is a highly contagious respiratory infection. Influenza viruses are said to be the group of viruses responsible for this disease in humans. these viruses usually make their entry into the patient’s body through the mouth, nose, or eyes.

The influenza virus generally spreads through the air medium. The virus becomes airborne if a person afflicted with influenza starts to sneeze or cough. The person inhaling the virus therefore gets infected by the airborne virus. Chances of getting infected by this disease also are high if a person touches any infected object and then touches either their nose or mouth. This disease is said to mainly spread in places of public gathering. Buses and schools are a few high risk areas.

Children and older adults are the people who are at most risk of getting infected by this disease. There is a common misjudgment in identifying both flu symptoms and cold symptoms. in order to treat flu, one must be able to differentiate between flu and cold and then employ the various options available.

Chills, cough, muscle aches, extreme tiredness, headaches fever, sore throat, and runny nose are said to be a few common flu symptoms. It is to be noted that runny nose is more common among children than in adults. Children are more likely than adults to suffer from diarrhea and vomiting, which are also considered as symptoms of flu.

People suffering from flu are generally known to develop headaches and fever whereas people with cold rarely don’t. Fatigue and body pains can become severe in a person with flu and is low for people with cold. Extreme exhaustion will be observed in people suffering from flu and not in not in people having cold. a few symptoms of cold such as stuffy nose, sneezing, and sore throat are sometimes displayed in flu too. Chest pain can be severe in a person affected by flu although it is a common symptom in both flu and cold.

In order to treat the flu, it’s symptoms must be identified at the earliest as it can be cured with 24-48 hours after the person has been contracted it.

Victor loves to research about various diseases and to write articles on them and creating awareness through them. in this article, he has written about Flu Symptoms.