Pretty sure I'm allergic to my new kitten, need advice on what to do. =(

peewee

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I've had cats all throughout my life without any allergy symptoms, and never experienced any symptoms while visiting other people who have cats. My eleven year old cat Cookie passed away last March, we were very close and I was devastated for a very long time. I was finally emotionally ready to get a new cat, so I purchased a four moth old Persian kitten on March 12th. 

The night after I brought him home I noticed I was severely short of breath, I've never been diagnosed with or experienced asthma before, but that night I felt like I could only inhale 60% of my lung capacity and lying down made it worse. I had an old inhaler from 2012 (I thought I had pneumonia and went to the ER, they said I had an inflamed chest muscle and gave me a Salbutamol inhaler) it hadn't expired but it had no effect on me whatsoever. My breathing felt strained for 3-4 days afterwards, but I haven't had an asthma attack since. 

I ended up getting swollen glands along my jaw line and my face had a very puffy appearance, I went to the walk-in clinic and the doctor said I had a viral cold combined with nasal allergies, prescribed me a nasal spray and told me to take Allegra D. I started taking Allegra D daily and using the nasal spray twice a day (as prescribed), I noticed no effect on my nasal inflammation so I started using Otrivin nasal spray as well. Otrivin provided immediate temporary relief, so I reached for it whenever I felt desperate. I then found out that you can't use it more than three days in a row as it can cause adverse nasal inflammation, so I stopped using it praying that it was the sole cause, but my nose is still stuffed to the point where I can barely breathe through it and my sense of smell is completely gone. 

I went to my family doctor who said that it's pretty obvious I have cat allergies, even though I've never experienced cat allergies in my life until this point and told me I wouldn't have to get rid of my kitten, but to keep him out of my bedroom which I had been doing since I saw the walk-in clinic doctor. After persuasion I got him to put me on a waiting list to see an allergist. I called the allergist's office to see how soon I could get in, but he's away until April 14th and the receptionists are gone until then as well, so I have no way to find out how long I'll be waiting past then. 

As of right now it's been exactly three weeks since I got my kitten, and I still have chronic nasal inflammation, no sense of smell, clogged ears and a general subdued/foggy/achy feeling. Medication, keeping him out of my room, wiping him down with hypoallergenic wipes, using hypoallergenic air freshener and getting him bathed by the breeder hasn't helped. My kitten and I bonded together almost immediately and I'd be completely heartbroken to let him go, but I don't think I can continue living like this. I was wondering if anyone had any advice on what I should do? 
 

bigperm20

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Maybe it's not the cat. Have you made any other changes , or had any additional stresses at work or home?

It is possible that it's the cat. Some cats just produce more Fel D1 than others. I know when I got my DLH I experienced a little bit of itchy/watery eyes as a symptom. I've never been allergic to cats, but apparently Beans is the exception. I'm lucky it's not more serious.

I sure hope everything works out for you and your kitty.
 

marshmallow2013

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My 10 year old son had an allergy test and had terrible allergies to  pollen, cat, even dog.  He tried the nasal spray with zyrtec but for him, Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) worked the best, which can be taken every 4 hours.  Still his allergist said the best thing would be allergy shots.  So after years of using medications, he started allergy shots and after a year, his allergies especially to our cat, are  gone.  Shots have to be taken for 3 to 5 years but it has made a huge difference.  Our cat, Mittens naps on his bed and he hugs him all the time with no itchy throat, runny nose or watery eyes. 

I hope this helps.
 

natalie_ca

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My suggestion is to invest in a really good vacuum!  You need a sealed,, system like a Dyson or a Shark.  Vacuum the floors, rug and furniture frequently.  Dusting should be the last thing on your list when you clean because vacuuming throws up dust, so does puffing up pillows. Use a damp cloth when you dust so you are collecting the dust, not pushing it around.

Invest in some new pillows and some mite proof covers for your pillows and mattress.   This sounds gross, but it's true!  Your pillow will double it's weight in 10 years due to dust mites and dead skin.  There are covers that you can purchase that are considered "allergen free", because they prevent dust mites from getting into the mattress and pillows.

And invest in a dust free cat litter so when kitty scratches or pads around, their little paws aren't dragging dust around.
 

bigperm20

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I'd like to have a Dyson, or even a Shark. I just can't see it for the price though. Especially when my "Dyson clone" Bissell picks up a ton of dirt and dust.
 
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