What should be given for a rat’s allergy? - briefly
Administer an antihistamine such as «diphenhydramine» or a corticosteroid while removing the identified allergen from the environment. Provide supportive care, including fluid therapy and close observation for respiratory complications.
What should be given for a rat’s allergy? - in detail
Allergic reactions to rodents require immediate symptom control and long‑term management.
First‑line pharmacotherapy includes oral antihistamines such as cetirizine 10 mg once daily or loratadine 10 mg once daily for mild to moderate urticaria and pruritus. For rapid relief of itching, topical antihistamine creams (e.g., diphenhydramine 1 % lotion) may be applied to affected skin.
If respiratory involvement occurs, inhaled corticosteroids (e.g., budesonide 200 µg twice daily) reduce airway inflammation, while short‑acting β₂‑agonists (e.g., albuterol 90 µg inhalation) address acute bronchospasm.
Severe systemic reactions warrant an epinephrine autoinjector (0.15 mg for patients ≤30 kg, 0.30 mg for larger individuals). Administration is intramuscular into the anterolateral thigh, followed by emergency medical evaluation. Intravenous corticosteroids (e.g., methylprednisolone 1–2 mg/kg) may be added in hospital settings to prevent progression.
Long‑term desensitization can be achieved through subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy. A standardized rat‑derived extract is administered in gradually increasing doses under specialist supervision, typically over 3–5 years, to induce tolerance and reduce medication dependence.
Environmental control remains essential. Measures include:
- Sealing cages and using high‑efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters.
- Regular cleaning of bedding, cages, and surrounding areas with low‑dust disinfectants.
- Wearing protective gloves and masks when handling rodents.
Patients with persistent or severe symptoms should receive individualized assessment by an allergist or immunologist to determine optimal dosing, monitor adverse effects, and adjust therapy as needed.