Horse allergy

I have sever allergic reactions whenever I go near horses or anyone who has been near a horse. My symptoms are mainly chronically asthmatic, watering eyes, runny nose, red itchy patches on my skin and sneezing.

Unfortunately my wife works with horses and as you can imagine this is a big problem. There is no way she can avoid this as she is a professional athlete.

I have tried every kind of over the counter medicine and antihystamine and nothing works. I have taken 4-6 times the recommended dosage sometimes and the symptoms still persist.

A friend recommended that I try Kenalog 80mg injections, however I have read there are long term effects such as bone and tendon problems. Is this true?

Are there any medications available that can be used as a preventative measure? I use an inhaler as soon as the symptoms start, however it takes a long time to become effective and other symptoms still persist.

Many thanks.

Gary

[Dr Rajput]

Hi, welcome to the forum, it is clear that you are allergic to horse, your body has got sensitized to them and hence subsequent reactions to exposure are spontaneous and can be more severe. Kenalog is a steroid and long term use can cause reduced bone density and muscle pain and atrophy.

Best way of management would be avoid further exposure. As for symptoms are concerned anti histaminics can be taken whenever there is attack and refrain from nasal decongestants (should only be used for 3-4 days intermittently).  

I suggest you to undergo skin allergy test. I suggest you to consult allergy specialist for further management.  Take care and regards.

[Dr Rajput]

Hi, welcome to the forum, it is clear that you are allergic to horse, your body has got sensitized to them and hence subsequent reactions to exposure are spontaneous and can be more severe. Kenalog is a steroid and long term use can cause reduced bone density and muscle pain and atrophy.

Best way of management would be avoid further exposure. As for symptoms are concerned anti histaminics can be taken whenever there is attack and refrain from nasal decongestants (should only be used for 3-4 days intermittently).  

I suggest you to undergo skin allergy test. I suggest you to consult allergy specialist for further management.  Take care and regards.

[gazteeven]

Hi Dr Rajput,

Many thanks for your reply. I have already had a blood test and it has been confirmed that I am severly allergic to horses. Avoidance is not possible as my wife's job revolves around horses, therefore making this a difficult situation.

I have tried antihystamines as you suggest, however they do not work. I have also tried nasal decongestants and they also offer limited relief.

How often should I take Kenalog in order to reduce the possibilities of complications later in life? I have heard people say they have 1 shot of 80mg every 3 months, wheras others say 1 shot every month. What is the recommended safe dosage if any?

Many thanks

Gary

[Dr Rajput]

Hi, 80 mg of kenalog every 3 months is not going to help. The steroids are usually prescribed during allergic attacks for short term only. For recommended dosage and frequency consult your doctor. Another way of avoidance is, your wife needs to take complete bath after the exposure to horses, so as to shed the horse allergens. This way you will be not in contact with the allergen. Try this, it may help. Keep posted. Take care and regards.