Allergy Dog Dander

This test helps to find whether an individual is allergic to the dog dander or not by detection of specific allergen IgE antibodies in the blood sample.

What is Dander and Dog Dander allergy:

Dander is tiny particles of the skin that had been shed from animals along with fur or features. Most of the animals and birds produce dander. This contains a protein which causes allergic reactions to the humans. The protein present in dander is also found in the urine and saliva of the animals. Dander produced by dogs is known as dog dander.

All the animals shed a bit of skin and it contains the dander. So, dander sticks to the skin and then floats in the air and travel through the air to a different place. Dander is easily transferred from place to place. So, when an individual inhales or breathes the dander, an allergic reaction occurs.

If an individual is allergic to dander then it may cause some symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, itchy eyes, watery eyes, runny noses, throat infection. In some cases, dander may worsen the asthma condition of an individual.

Antibodies are produced when any foreign substance or virus or bacteria enters the body. Antibodies are in Y shaped and are of 5 sub-types. They are IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD, IgE. IgE binds to the basophils and mast cells and is seen during allergic reactions.

NOTE: - Allergy to Dog Dander is a common cause of Asthma in children

Why this test is performed:

This test is performed to check whether an individual is allergic to dog dander. The doctor may ask you to undergo this test if you are suffering from a pet allergy, sneezing, wheezing, chest tightness, anxiety, throat irritation, itchy, watery eyes, running nose, headache, blockage of nose etc. If an individual is exposed to a pet for a long-term basis then the doctor may prefer this test to diagnose the pet allergy.

Precautions:

Some medications may change the test results and hence you are advised to inform all your current medications to the doctor prior to the test.

The test results may be different depending on gender, age, and health conditions. Inform your doctor if you have any other allergies.

Generally, there is no need for medical interventions if test results are normal.

If the test results are more than the normal range, then it may indicate that the individual is allergic to dog dander.

In case the test results are below or equal to the normal range, then it may indicate that the individual is not allergic to dog dander.