Asthma Caused by Cats

Asthma is a condition that causes breathing difficulties due to swollen airways and an increase in mucus production. Allergies are a common cause of asthma, and allergic asthma--or asthma induced by allergies--is the most common asthma type in the United States, according to the Mayo Clinic. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, or AAFA, reports that 15 percent to 30 percent of the population experience an allergic reaction to dogs and cats, with cat allergies occurring twice as often as those to dogs. Up to 30 percent of asthma sufferers claim cat allergies as a trigger for a serious attack.

Cause

• Allergic asthma is caused by allergies. An allergy is caused by the body's immune system mistaking a harmless substance as hazardous and releasing antibodies and histamine in defense. Cat allergies are caused by a protein in the animal's saliva and skin cells, which become airborne on loose hair as it grooms itself. This dander triggers an allergic reaction that causes inflammation in the nasal cavity. In people with allergic asthma, this inflammation spreads to affect the lower airways as well and triggers an asthma attack.

Symptoms

• Asthma symptoms generally only appear when you are exposed to your trigger, in this case cats. Common signs of asthma include breathing difficulties such as shortness of breath and wheezing. A tightening sensation or pain in the chest may also occur, causing troubled sleep or coughing. These symptoms may worsen if additional respiratory troubles exist, such as an upper respiratory infection or congestion from a cold.

Diagnosis

• Cat allergy-induced asthma is diagnosed by determining whether the patient is allergic to cats and noting if asthma symptoms accompany exposure to dander. An allergy test is performed by pricking the skin with a small amount of the suspected allergen and watching for a reaction or by measuring the level of allergy antibodies in your blood.

Treatment

• Treatment for allergy-caused asthma involves the usage of medications to reduce and minimize the severity of the symptoms associated with attacks. Some medications, such as montelukast, sold under the brand name of Singulair, are available for the treatment of both allergy and asthma symptoms. Medications such as formoterol, brand name Symbicort, and fluticasone, brand name Flovent, are available for asthma symptoms, while over-the-counter antihistamine tablets such as Claritin are effective in controlling allergy discomfort.

Prevention/Solution

• Preventing asthma attacks involves minimizing or avoiding contact with cat dander to prevent an allergic reaction. If avoiding cats is not an option, remove as much dander from the environment as possible through a thorough cleaning. A HEPA filter, either in a vacuum cleaner or house furnace, can remove airborne allergens, and frequent shampooing of the carpet and upholstery eliminates dander buildup in fabrics.