Cat allergy in 8mo old?

[jadey]

Hi, My boy has been having nasal congestion and an occasional dry cough for several months now. It began after he suffered a cold a couple months ago now, so I originally thought it was lingering cold symptoms. We went away for a month to costa rica and I think the coughing and stuffiness improved. When we returned it is back. I am afraid he is allergic to our cats. I had cat allergies as a child which have gone away for the most part. I am still allergic to certain breeds (Bengals), can't be in the same room as them. What do you think? I heard cat allergies are rare under 1 year. Maybe I should have him tested?
Thanks, Jade

[Momily]

When I had my son tested for environmental allergies at 9 months they told me that a child that age is only likely to have environmental allergies to things that they're exposed to throughout the year, and not just seasonally or if they visit someone else's home.

For my DS who lived in a pet-free home they didn't test for any animals other than mice and cockroaches (because we or daycare could have had them and not known), but they said that if a child lived with a cat or dog they'd test for those.

So, I'd say that cat allergies are quite possible in an 8 month old who lives with a cat.

[changingseasons]

Originally Posted by Momily

they told me that a child that age is only likely to have environmental allergies to things that they're exposed to throughout the year, and not just seasonally or if they visit someone else's home.

Really? Everything that I've read about enviro allergies says that with daily exposure kids are less likely to develop an allergy to a pet. But who knows really. My allergist said she wouldn't even test my DD for enviro stuff because "she's too little for enviro allergies." I don't think that's true at all. It's probably not as likely, but I'm sure it's possible.

What other variables changed during your trip? Did you use different products like laundry and body soaps? Did your diet change considerably (you ate less/more dairy, gluten, etc.)?

[kjbrown92]

We don't have a cat (never have) and DD1 has a cat allergy...