Experts Warn Over Cat Allergies

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More people develop allergic reactions to cats than thought, research

suggests - even those not specifically allergic to the animals.

The Imperial College London study of 2,000 people found 25% got

breathing problems due to cat allergens.

 

About 15% of the population is allergic to cats.

 

But breathlessness was even reported in those without a specific cat

allergy, the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care

Medicine reported.

 

It appears that many individuals could benefit from reduced cat

ownership and exposure

 

Susan Chinn, lead researcher

 

The study looked for greater bronchial responsiveness - breathing

problems similar to an early stage of asthma - as opposed to a full

blown allergic reaction which can include runny eyes and skin rashes.

 

Researchers collected house dust samples from homes of 1,884 people

from 20 different areas throughout Europe and analysed them for

levels of cat allergen, grass allergen, mould and dust mites.

 

Blood tests looking for an antibody called IgE - which is a sign of

an allergic response - were also carried out.

 

They revealed one in four of the volunteers, who were picked to be

representative of the general population, had at least one allergy.

 

And the higher the level of cat allergens, the worse the lung

function, even among those not allergic to cats.

 

'Surprising'

 

Lead researcher Susan Chinn said the findings were " surprising " .

 

" We presupposed that we would find increased responsiveness only in

those individuals who were exposed to cat allergen and whose blood

tests showed that they were allergic to cats.

 

" But our study suggests that all allergic individuals have signs of

asthmatic responses if exposed to cat allergen, even if blood tests

show that they are not allergic to cats.

 

" It appears that many individuals could benefit from reduced cat

ownership and exposure. "

 

Muriel Simmons, of the charity Allergy UK, said: " In many ways the

findings are to be expected. Cat allergens are extremely sticky,

which means they attach to people very easily and can cause the sort

of problems reported.

 

" But I would not say to people they should rush out and get rid of

their cats. Our advice is to keep cats out of your bedrooms to try to

reduce exposure, but really there is no way to avoid it altogether.

 

" Even if you don't have cats, you will come into contact with people

who do. "