How an Allergic May Still Dance with Horses

A portion of the population have horse allergy. In accordance with the type of allergy, the following reactions may show:

* Watery eyes * Hives or rashes * Itchy eyes, skin or nose * Asthma attacks * Sneezing and coughing * Breathing difficulty

The initial encounter with horses is best enjoyed by closely examining if one has an allergy. Precaution must be undertaken by the asthmatic individual because an asthma attack, which may be fatal under extreme conditions, may develop from a horse allergy. Moreover, if one is asthmatic, precautionary steps, like getting an inhaler or medicine ready, must be taken especially when dealing with horse for the first time. Keeping an eye on asthmatic children who get acquainted with horses for the first time is also a must.

Dander is often blamed for horse allergy. Dander is a result of the flaking of the horse’s skin and falling of hair. Aside from dander, horse mites, particularly their droppings, are also typical culprits of horse allergy. A third set of causes is horse urine and saliva.

In spite of putting distance from horses, the occurrence of horse allergy may still happen through indirect contact. To illustrate, tack and clothing used during riding a horse may harbor mite droppings and dander, which may also rub off to rugs and blankets. Getting in contact with these may consequently result to horse allergy. Some experiences tell of a scenario wherein one family member who rides horses triggered the allergy attack of another non-riding member by way of his riding gear and clothing which he brought home. It is prudent then for the rider to change clothes and swab off tack before heading home. Confined places, such as the barn, where horses have settled in must also be avoided to prevent an allergic attack even if the horses have vacated the place already.

Treatment

The treatment options for horse allergies are much similar to other types of allergies; staying clear of triggers is foremost, but medicines like corticosteroids, anti-histamines and desensitizing agents may also serve well. A doctor’s advice regarding these alternatives is important.

If steering away from horses cannot be prevented, a test to identify which particular component of the horse one is allergic to is worthwhile in order to decide on the effective management resolution of an allergy attack.

* Underscoring dander as the main allergen above other horse elements, it has been accounted by a handful of people that ‘curly horse’ breeds allegedly do not produce that much dander, thus, eliciting minimal reaction, making it safe to ride.

* Underscoring horse mites as the main allergen, subjecting the horse and its box to treatment against mites may bring the allergic episodes to a lower notch.

* When particularly allergic to horse urine, staying away from tainted areas, like the horse’s box, and bathing the horse, if it lay down on its box, may make it possible for one to come in contact with horses without going through an allergy reaction.

* Whatever it may be, pinning down the precise cause of the horse allergy may make it permissible for one to come near to horses with minimized reactions.

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