People can be allergic to horses, which can result in one or more of the following symptoms: - Itchy or watery eyes - Runny or itchy nose - Itchy skin, hives or rashes - Coughing or Sneezing - Breathing problems - Asthma attack
The severity of these symptoms can range from a minor runny nose to a serious asthma attack. In the case of asthma sufferers, care should be taken when first coming into contact with horses, as there have been a few cases of fatal asthma attacks. This is doubly true for asthmatic children, who in the excitement of being with horses may not notice the early symptoms, so they should be monitored by an adult when first encountering horses to ensure that they do not have a serious adverse reaction.
Horse dander (dandruff like bits of skin or hair) is the most common cause of horse allergies. Other causes include horse mites, salvia or urine.
One can easily have an allergic reaction without touching or being close to a horse. If one enters a barn or other enclosed area which has been recently used to hold horses, one can have a reaction to allergic agents which remain even though no horses are present at the time. Likewise, if one has a friend or family member who rides, it is quite possible to have a reaction when coming into contact with their riding clothes, tack or even their hair as allergic agents can easily be rubbed into these.
Fortunately, there are a variety of treatments for horse allergies. These range from treating the symptoms using medications, to desensitizing treatment, to simple avoidance.
If you wish to ride but are allergic to horses, you may wish to try the 'curly horse' breeds as many people who suffer from horse allergies find that they are not allergic to these breeds.
Finally, you could try medical testing or trial-and-error to determine which aspect of the horse you are allergic to and then simply take care to avoid this aspect. For example, if allergic to urine, rather than go into the stable to get your horse, have it brought out to you. As another example, if allergic to horse mites, have your horse and its box treated against mites, which should greatl - 31822
The severity of these symptoms can range from a minor runny nose to a serious asthma attack. In the case of asthma sufferers, care should be taken when first coming into contact with horses, as there have been a few cases of fatal asthma attacks. This is doubly true for asthmatic children, who in the excitement of being with horses may not notice the early symptoms, so they should be monitored by an adult when first encountering horses to ensure that they do not have a serious adverse reaction.
Horse dander (dandruff like bits of skin or hair) is the most common cause of horse allergies. Other causes include horse mites, salvia or urine.
One can easily have an allergic reaction without touching or being close to a horse. If one enters a barn or other enclosed area which has been recently used to hold horses, one can have a reaction to allergic agents which remain even though no horses are present at the time. Likewise, if one has a friend or family member who rides, it is quite possible to have a reaction when coming into contact with their riding clothes, tack or even their hair as allergic agents can easily be rubbed into these.
Fortunately, there are a variety of treatments for horse allergies. These range from treating the symptoms using medications, to desensitizing treatment, to simple avoidance.
If you wish to ride but are allergic to horses, you may wish to try the 'curly horse' breeds as many people who suffer from horse allergies find that they are not allergic to these breeds.
Finally, you could try medical testing or trial-and-error to determine which aspect of the horse you are allergic to and then simply take care to avoid this aspect. For example, if allergic to urine, rather than go into the stable to get your horse, have it brought out to you. As another example, if allergic to horse mites, have your horse and its box treated against mites, which should greatl - 31822
About the Author:
The article Allergy to Horses was written by Dr. Doug Stewart, owner of Horses for Sale.
