I, too, can speak to allergies. Right now I am covered in hives, including my face. My lips have been slightly swollen all day. I have had my sinuses swollen deep in back and the throat started to close one recent morning.

Most of this is due to job stress. However, I do believe there is a biologic component. I've narrowed it down to glutens (but not present in everything I eat), one or more types of yeast, or soy products. I'm banking on yeast since I tend to have problem with systemic yeast imbalances.

If there is a biological/food trigger, I am so screwed.

Don't assume it's the cats. Stress can be a major factor. So could a flea medicine, shampoo, or even food.

So right now I'm on Allegra (I ran out! ARGH!) once per day mornings, loratidine once in the evenings, ranitidine twice per day, and anti-anxiety drug ( of the 'pams) every 4 to 6 hours, and prednisone supposedly once per day. I felt better on two per day but was supposed to move to once per day but I took and extra one this evening.

And I have to take an extra Metformin for diabetes because the preds can elevate blood sugar.

If this seems excessive, the alternative may well be a permanent one communing with the worms.