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Managing Cat Allergy Symptoms With Flonase

Cats > Allergies > Managing Cat Allergy Symptoms With Flonase

also see Cat Skin Allergies

Humans who become allergic to their own pets often suffer a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. The sudden onset of cat allergy symptoms can come at any age or stage in life, and completely without warning. Among the options cat owners have in treating their allergies is a prescription nasal spray called Flonase (Fluticasone Propionate).

Using Flonase to Treat Allergies

Flonase Nasal Spray is a prescription medication. It's FDA approved as safe and effective for treating sneezing, runny or stuffy nose and nasal itching (rhinitis) due to allergic and non-allergic causes.

Flonase is a corticosteroid drug. Corticoteroids are anti-inflammatory medicines. Long-term use of steroid drugs can cause bothersome and sometimes serious side effects, and this limits the usefulness of many corticosteroids. Because Flonase is a nasal spray, its effects are generally limited to the nose. This helps prevent many of the long-term and serious side effects of corticosteroids.

Most people take Flonase once or twice a day, but tests have shown that the drug is also effective if taken only when it is needed. As always, you should discuss dosage with your doctor and follow professional advice. Do not change dosage without such a consultation.

Using Flonase Safely

You should talk to your doctor before taking Flonase if you have recently had nasal surgery, or if you have sores or injury to the inside of your nose. Consult with your doctor before using Flonase if:

You have herpes, tuberculosis or any other infections
You've never had chicken pox or measles
You've never been vaccinated for chicken pox or measles
Tell your Doctor about all your allergies before taking Flonase.

Discuss flonase and any other corticosteroid medicine with your doctor if you are pregnant or breast feeding.

Flonase may interact adversely with certain types of drugs such as antibiotics, (erythromycin, Telithromycin) or Protease inhibitors, (Amprenavir, Atazanavir (Reyataz®), so tell your doctor if you take any of these.

Side Effects of Flonase

The most common reported side effects of Flonase are headaches, sore throat and nosebleeds. These are reported as mild and rarely need treatment. Instances of abdominal pain, dizziness, bronchitis and nasal irritation are rare, but have been reported. Notify you doctor if you have any of these symptoms.

Managing Allergies in Other Ways

Along with taking Flonase, you can manage your treatment by taking some practical steps to minimize your allergic reactions and symptoms:

Cat dander can stay in your home and cause allergy symptoms for years, even after your cat is gone, so thorough cleaning is a must. Vacuum regularly (twice weekly) with a HEPA equipped vacuum cleaner.
Bathe your cat twice weekly, and wipe your cat with a moist cloth or hand towel daily.
Wash your hands after handling your cat.
Keep your cat out of your bedroom, and close all air vents to your bedroom.
Purchase a HEPA equipped room air cleaner.
Try to keep your cat restricted to uncarpeted rooms in your house.

also see Cat Dander Allergy Symptoms

also see Minimizing Allergic Reactions to Cats

also see Cat Allergy Testing: An Introduction

also see The 8 Most Common Cat Allergy Symptoms