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Allergies to Rodents

Rodent allergens are present in the animal's saliva, hair, dander and urine. Exposure to these allergens causes allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

  1. Symptoms

    • Symptoms of a rodent allergy include itchy skin, hives and inflammation of the nose, throat and lungs.

    Cause

    • Rodent allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies proteins found in the animal's saliva, hair, dander and urine as harmful and produces antibodies against them, thus triggering an inflammatory response.

    Exposure

    • Exposure to rodent allergens occurs through inhalation and direct contact.

    Warning

    • Chronic inflammation of the nasal passages resulting from prolonged exposure to rodent allergens may cause sinus infections. Furthermore, those with asthma may experience a worsening of symptoms or asthma attacks.

    Treatment

    • Long term treatment for allergies to rodents requires limiting exposure to the allergens. Short term solutions include medications such as antihistamines and corticosteroids that work to control the immune system response and reduce inflammation.

    Fun Fact

    • Of the planet's nearly 4,000 species of mammals, about 1,500 are rodents.

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