How does an allergy to rats manifest? - briefly
Typical reactions involve respiratory symptoms—sneezing, nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing, or asthma attacks—after inhaling rat dander, urine, or saliva proteins. Direct skin contact can cause itching, hives, or localized swelling.
How does an allergy to rats manifest? - in detail
Allergic reactions to rats arise from immune sensitization to proteins found in their dander, urine, saliva, and bedding. Once sensitized, exposure triggers a cascade of IgE‑mediated responses that affect multiple organ systems.
Respiratory manifestations include:
- Sneezing, nasal congestion, and watery eyes (allergic rhinitis).
- Cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness (allergic asthma).
- Throat irritation and post‑nasal drip.
Cutaneous symptoms appear as:
- Itchy, raised welts (urticaria).
- Red, inflamed patches that may become scaly (contact dermatitis).
- Exacerbation of pre‑existing eczema.
Systemic involvement can be severe:
- Rapid onset of hives, swelling of lips or tongue, and difficulty breathing (anaphylaxis).
- Drop in blood pressure, dizziness, or loss of consciousness in extreme cases.
Typical onset follows minutes to a few hours after direct contact with a rat or indirect contact with contaminated surfaces. Repeated low‑level exposure may produce a delayed hypersensitivity pattern, with symptoms emerging several hours after exposure.
Diagnostic evaluation relies on:
- Detailed exposure history.
- Skin prick testing with rat allergen extracts.
- Serum-specific IgE measurement.
- Pulmonary function tests if asthma is suspected.
Management strategies focus on avoidance of the allergen, environmental control (regular cleaning, use of HEPA filters, protective clothing), and pharmacotherapy such as antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids, and inhaled bronchodilators. In cases of confirmed IgE‑mediated sensitization, allergen‑specific immunotherapy may be considered under specialist supervision.