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The allergies of some people may be triggered by horses. This may lead to different symptoms relative to the type of allergy such as:

* Hives or rashes * Itchy nose, eyes or skin * Asthma attacks * Watery eyes * Breathing difficulty * Sneezing or coughing

The initial encounter with horses is best enjoyed by closely examining if one has an allergy. Precaution must be undertaken by the asthmatic individual because an asthma attack, which may be fatal under extreme conditions, may develop from a horse allergy. Moreover, if one is asthmatic, precautionary steps, like getting an inhaler or medicine ready, must be taken especially when dealing with horse for the first time. Keeping an eye on asthmatic children who get acquainted with horses for the first time is also a must.

Horse allergy is usually triggered by horse dander. The specks of skin that look like dandruff and hair collected from a horse are what compose dander. Horse mites, specifically their droppings, are another factor to horse allergy. An allergic reaction may also be set off by horse saliva or urine.

The presence of a horse is not necessary for an allergic reaction to erupt; an indirect contact may spark a reaction. For instance, dander and mite droppings are transmittable via tack and clothing. They are particularly adherent components to blankets, rugs and clothing, thus, indirectly firing up an allergy. Shared stories allege that a non horse riding member suffered asthma or allergic attacks by coming in contact with the clothing and riding equipment of a riding family member. Under this circumstance, it is advisable for the horse rider to change clothes and wipe off tack before bringing them home. In like manner, contained areas, like the barn, and other enclosed spaces where horse have been must be avoided to avoid triggering an allergy attack.

Treatment

The treatment options for horse allergies are much similar to other types of allergies; staying clear of triggers is foremost, but medicines like corticosteroids, anti-histamines and desensitizing agents may also serve well. A doctor’s advice regarding these alternatives is important.

An analysis to identify the particular element of the horse that one is sensitive to should be undergone for people who must be around horses so that treatment options can be readily made available.

* When dander is tested to be the cause, allergic riders need not worry so much over the ‘curly horse’ breeds because they have been reported not to cause an attack.

* When the test shows that horse mites are the culprit, allergy attacks may be toned down by treating the horses and their boxes against mites.

* Underscoring horse urine as the allergen, shunning affected areas like the horse box and cleaning the horse may make it feasible for allergic people to be with horses.

* Regardless of the situation, knowledge on the precise cause of the horse allergy may make it possible for an allergic person to be with horses without the feared reactions.

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