Georgia is a 27-year-old patient who has allergic rhinitis. She has a severe allergy to animal dander, which causes sneezing and severe congestion. She is engaged to marry Bob, who has a cat. The cat is almost 15 years old and has been with Bob since it was a kitten. Finding another home for the cat is not an option—neither Bob nor Georgia wants to do that. Unfortunately, over-the-counter antihistamines have not worked. Georgia states that she is currently taking Allegra®, but it is plain to see that she is still very congested. What alternatives might the physician suggest for Georgia?

Question

A. Double the amount of Allegra® she is taking
B. Wear a mask when the cat is in the room
C. Do not allow the cat into the bedroom at night
D. See an allergist for desensitization injections
E. There is no other option but to get rid of the cat

Answer 1

D. See an allergist for desensitization injections
The OTC drugs are clearly not helping, and limiting the cat's movements or wearing a mask are complex solutions that may or may not work. Since they refuse to give up the cat , desensitization injections are probably the best long-term solution for Georgia.