Let your doctor know if you’ll be putting yourself in a situation where you might have a potential allergic reaction. Tell your doctor about any allergy symptoms you are having, such as sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, facial pain (from nasal congestion), coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, wheezing, watery, red or itchy eyes, skin rash or hives. [1] X Trustworthy Source American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology National professional organization of allergists, asthma specialists and immunologists that focuses on supporting and publishing research Go to source Keep annual appointments. To manage your health, you also need to make sure that you keep annual and semiannual appointments with your general practitioner or allergist. Have periodic allergy testing done. Many doctors suggest allergy testing every two years. However, adults may go three to five years between tests. [2] X Trustworthy Source American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology National professional organization of allergists, asthma specialists and immunologists that focuses on supporting and publishing research Go to source Ask your doctor about immunotherapy, or allergy shots. This treatment option will reduce your sensitivity to an allergy, such as pet dander. [3] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
Antihistamines like Zyrtec, Clarinex, and Allegra. Decongestants like Sudafed. Antihistamine decongestant combinations like Claritin-D or Allegra-D. Corticosteroid nasal sprays like Nasonex, Flonase, and Veramyst. Consult with your physician before taking allergy medication. [5] X Research source Avoid taking a combination of medications unless directed by physician and follow the instructions on the medication package.
An albuterol inhaler, if you have one. This is especially important for asthmatics. An epinephrine injection, such as an EpiPen. Any other medication your doctor recommends. [6] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Tell them they need to hold the EpiPen against your mid-outer-thigh. Once positioned, they need to push it firmly until the pen clicks and the needle enters your skin. Have them hold the pen for a few seconds. Let them know that they should never inject the pen into any body part other than the thigh. [7] X Research source
If you’re visiting for a casual talk, suggest you have coffee, tea, or wine on the porch or deck. If you’re visiting for a meal, suggest you grill your food and eat outside. If you and your child is visiting for a play date, suggest that the kids play outside. [8] X Trustworthy Source United States Environmental Protection Agency Independent U. S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices Go to source
Sit on leather or vinyl couches or arm chairs. If given a choice, sit on a wooden chair or other furniture. Hang out in rooms with tile or wood flooring.
Ask your guest to open the windows in advance of you coming. Before you visit, say something like “I’m worried about my allergies. Could you maybe open the windows?” Try to sit in rooms where there are multiple air vents and/or doors. [9] X Trustworthy Source United States Environmental Protection Agency Independent U. S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices Go to source
For example, if one of the cats rubs up against your pant leg and gets hair on your pants, then you might want to change into a fresh pair, or at least use a lint roller. If you pet or hold any of the pets, wash your hands right after.
If you absolutely must attend, try to only stay for a limited amount of time – like under an hour. If your allergy is extreme or your reaction is life-threatening, you should not visit. If you know that the person you are visiting does not keep a clean home and won’t take any steps to safeguard your health, don’t visit. If you’ve visited someone’s home and had a negative reaction, don’t repeat this mistake.
You want to be clear you have genuine concerns about your health. Consider saying “I have allergies that make it hard for me to visit people with pets. ” Ask the person exactly what types of pets they have. This is important, as not all pets will aggravate your allergies.
If they offer to clean their home or make special accommodations, make sure to thank them. Never say “You need to thoroughly clean your house or I can’t visit. ” Instead, politely explain your needs. You may want to consider acknowledging that you understand how your condition might inconvenience them. Offer to relocate your meeting. For instance, instead of having coffee at their home, you can have coffee at a coffee shop. [11] X Research source Most people who entertain frequently should be cognizant of pet allergens and the problems they create. [12] X Research source
Say something like “Sometimes my allergies are okay if the pets aren’t in the room at the moment. ” Let them know that direct contact with a specific type of pet may aggravate your allergy. Many pet owners have “pet free zones” that they entertain guests in. If they have one, they may let you know. [13] X Research source
If you’re in the middle of the conversation, redirect it. Say, “I think I’m having a bad allergic reaction. " Instead of leaving right away, ask them if you could finish your conversation outside. Once outside, if possible, finish chatting with them. Before you leave, thank them for having you over. Let them know they should not feel bad. Consider saying “This is just one of the unpleasant side-effects of having allergies. How about if we make plans to see each other at my house (or another location) next time?”
