Cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary pathophysiologic processes that result in the patient presenting these symptoms.

Cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary pathophysiologic processes that result in the patient presenting these symptoms.

Introduction

Cat dander refers to the tiny and microscopic particles of skin typically shed by cats. Cat dander allergies form part of the major types of allergies among individuals whereby the skin shed offs cause allergic triggers. Secretoglobin Fel d 1 is the most prominent cat allergen normally secreted by cat’s salivary glands, sebaceous glands, and anal glands with a high prevalence in the United States. Among the allergic reaction characterized by the cat, dander includes wheezing, coughing, difficulties in breathing, nasal congestion, chapped lips, watery eyes, rashes, and chest tightening. However, cat dander allergies can result in more severe conditions, including chronic asthma and rhinitis (Kelley, et al. 2016). This paper discusses the cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary pathophysiologic processes that trigger the patients’  case study symptoms, the racial/ethnic variables that may impact physiological functioning, and how the processes interact to affect the patient.

Cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary pathophysiologic processes that result in the patient presenting these symptoms.

When individuals are exposed to cat dander, their immune system recognizes something – usually cat dander (more specifically, primarily a protein called Fel d 1 present in cat skin, saliva and urine – not the fur, though the fur can be contaminated with it from saliva obviously) as being foreign and potentially harmful and produces Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies against it. This can happen after one exposure or may occur after many years and multiple exposures. Once this has happened, whenever the person is exposed to that allergen (i.e., the protein you are allergic to) in future, the immune system reacts, attacking what it believes to be a harmful invader to the body, and releases histamine and other inflammatory chemicals, which is what causes the symptoms of wheezing, breathing difficulties, watery red eyes, runny nose, sore throat, hives, coughing, wheezing and so on (Virtanen, 2017).

Racial/ethnic variables that may impact physiological functioning.

The fascinating thing about cat dander allergies is that their impacts affect individuals differently, whereby; allergens that can cause a life-threatening allergic reaction to one individual may be harmless to another. Racial disparities have accounted for several pet dander prevalence disparities, especially in the United States. From several cohort studies, the prevalence of pet dander allergies is less among the Black Americans since they tend to be more sensitized about pet allergens compared to the whites. Additionally, the living standards of the white also accounts for the disparities due to their hygienic living standards. The whites tend to observe high hygienic standards compared to black people, thus making their bodies more defensive and sensitive towards different allergens (Romm, 2010).

There do seem to be fewer Black people that are as pet-friendly as the non-black people. In fairness, that is because if most of the Black people have pets, they are normally outdoor pets.  This limited exposure to cuts limits their interactions, which may predispose them to cat dander allergens compared to the whites. The current disparities on the disposable incomes among the two ethnic groups are also a significant factor contributing to the physiological functioning. Most of the black people do not have sufficient disposable incomes to spend on pets, and this also limits their exposure to the cat’s dander (Dhawan et al. 2013).

Ways the processes interact to affect the patient.

Cat allergens are small, lightweight, and can be suspended in the air much longer compared to allergens from dust mites and cockroaches. Due to their jagged shape and microscopic size, the allergens easily stick on beddings, furniture, fabrics, and other items at their disposal. They can be easily spread to different areas, including homes that do not have pets, thus subjecting individuals to the allergens upon exposure (Ownby et al. 2016).

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References

Dhawan, V., & Kalluri, M. (2013). A 24-year-old woman with episodes of shortness of breath, cough, and wheezing. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 185(15), 1337-1341. doi:10.1503/cmaj.110952

Itazawa, T., Hosoki, K., & Sur, S. (2017). Cat Dander Extract Directly Stimulates B Cell to Induce Class Switch. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 139(2), AB262. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2016.12.843

Kelley, J. P., Hosoki, K., & Sur, S. (2016). MyD88-Mediated Innate Immune Response in a Single Cat Dander Extract Challenge. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 137(2), AB72. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2015.12.245

Ownby, D., & Johnson, C. C. (2016). Recent Understandings of Pet Allergies. F1000Research, 5, 108. doi:10.12688/f1000research.7044.1

Romm, N. (2010). Survey Research: Examining Expressed Feelings and Views on Racialized) Issues as Variables Along with Other Variables. New Racism, 171-214. doi:10.1007/978-90-481-8728-7_4

Virtanen, T. (2017). Immunotherapy for pet allergies. Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, 14(4), 807-814. doi:10.1080/21645515.2017.1409315