Cat, Blueberry, and Potato Allergies; New here and Hoping for Input!

Hi everyone,

I am new to the allergy & asthma forum; however, I have always had what I assumed to be environmental allergies. I usually have congestion, sneezing, itchy/watery eyes, and a sore throat. I have eosinophilic esophagitis (in addition to IBS-C, GERD, and fibromyalgia), so I was referred to an allergy specialist to identify any potential food allergens. I found out that I'm allergic to black willow tree, horses, dogs, cats, blueberries, and potatoes. Both my allergist and I were surprised by the blueberry and potato allergies, but it makes sense (I was developing severe abdominal pain after eating blueberries). I still think they are strange allergies to have, so is anyone else here allergic to either of them? Or, does anyone have allergies to something less common? Also, I have cats and have had them for years. I knew I would test positive for cat allergies, as I have allergy symptoms at home and it correlates with my kitties. However, I am unwilling to give up my cats. Furthermore, one of them is an indoor only cat and both of them are allowed on furniture and sleep with us. I am not going to ban them from the bedrooms (and I am the only one with a cat allergy). I hope that others here understand where I'm coming from, as I love my pets and consider them family. I've been prescribed Nasonex and Flovent (not inhaled, but swallowed for my eosinophilic esophagitis). Also, I was diagnosed with asthma (probably mild) earlier this summer, which was said to be due to my GERD. Now, I wonder if it's due to GERD and my allergies! I have a Ventolin inhaler, but don't use it. I'd really appreciate any advice or suggestions in regards to effectively dealing with allergies and mild asthma. Thank you!

achievinggrace said...
Welcome to the forum! Sorry you are having such trouble. Do you think it would work to get immunotherapy shots for the cat allergy. Without that constant irritation, perhaps you other allergies would calm down? Just a thought.

Thank you for the response! I did not discuss immunotherapy shots with my allergist; however, I thought it might be beneficial too. I will probably ask him about getting them :)

Chartreux said...
I agree discuss the immunotherapy shot with your allergists, do this at your next follow up and it should help in time lessen your allergy to cats, However, please do not adopt any other pets in your lifetime as you do need to consider your health. I'm a big cat person and understand, only I'm allergic to Dogs, not cats. What might help is bathing the cats once a month I have done this, my boys are over do. It can be done without getting scratches or bite, you just have to have everything ready and set up before hand. have towels near by have cat shampoo opened and ready have water about 1 1/2 inch in the tub and have it soapy already and have clean water nearby or a shower sprayer handy. or take the kitties to the groomers or vet once a month.
For the acid reflux GERD, get your bed elevated. I have a leggit-platt elevated base, but you could use cinder blocks and pillows. I also have this type of asthma, it sucks, but by elevating the bed that helps.
Hope this helps and hello!
Stay away from blueberries and potatos. also make sure not to get potato bread/buns they really do make a potato bread. stay away from french fries...
Many well wishes...

Hi Chartreux, thank you for your advice. I will discuss the immunotherapy shots with my allergist; it may provide more relief than I realize. My youngest cat is 8 years old, so I hope to have her for much longer! I love animals and don't think I could ever not have them as part of my family :) I know I need to consider my health, so I will look into the immunotherapy shots and other treatment/lifestyle modifications. I could try to bathe my kitties, but I know they would have a fit. I have done it once before and it went terribly. Perhaps, I will try what you've suggested. I have never elevated the bed of my head, even though I was diagnosed with GERD in 2009. That might help a lot too and it would be an easy adjustment. I have been staying away from blueberries and potatoes. I've realized there are potato ingredients in many different things, so I am diligently checking ingredient lists now! Also, I just got an air purifier and it does seem to help some. I've only had it one night now, but I'm hoping it will make a bigger difference in the long run. Thanks again for the response!