TARASCANI MAINE COONS

Scientists have discovered that a new class of drug designed to treat asthma also gives protection and relief from symptoms to those who are sensitive to cat allergen.

About Zafirlukast

This belongs to the group of medicines known as leukotriene receptor antagonists.

Zafirlukast can be used to treat mild to moderate asthma and to help relieve tightness of the chest often experienced by asthmatics during exercise.

The causes of asthma are unknown. There are however many agents or activities commonly associated with the onset of an attack. These are often referred to as trigger factors. Exposure to these factors causes the body to produce substances including leukotriene. This inflames and tightens the tiny air passages of the lungs (the bronchioles) during an asthma attack. Zafirlukast works by blocking the effects of leukotriene.

Zafirlukast is available in tablet form.

It is also sometimes known as: Accolate. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Results of trials show that Zafirlukast, made by AstraZeneca, not only prevents wheezing and shortness of breath, but also the itchy, runny, swollen noses triggered by allergens present in cat dander.

The drug is thought to work by blocking chemicals released by lung cells that are responsible for allergen symptoms. Dr Robert Wood, of Johns Hopkins University in America, who led the trials, said that the results for some patients were dramatic. ‘People don’t have to rely on using their inhalers any more, and the drug significantly reduced the number of lung and nasal allergic symptoms that individuals experienced when exposed to cats in our “cat challenge” room, people were exposed for an hour at a time to levels of allergen up to 100 times that found in the average home. Allergy is the most widespread chronic condition in the world, and sensitivity to animals is one of the most common causes. It is estimated that between 5 and 10 pc of people are allergic to cats to some degree.

More people are allergic to cats than dogs. One reason is thought to be that cats lick their coats more often, leaving saliva in the dander.

It was found that patients who owned cats with dark hair were six times more likely to have an allergy illness than those with light-haired cats. Around 70 pc of dark-haired cats cause problems, but fewer than 25 pc of light-coloured cats. Researchers also found that owners who have their cat in the bedroom are no more likely to have an allergy than those who do not.

PRODUCTS AVAILABLE FROM YOUR VET:-

AllerpetC is a spray that can be applied directly on to your pet's coat. It is reported to be very effective in controlling the flyaway dander responsible for most allergic reactions.

AllerpetD is also available for dogs.