Soaring numbers of asthma suffers are also developing CAT allergies.

ADS

The number of people with asthma who are also allergic to cats has more than doubled in less than 20 years, a new study has revealed.
The researchers also found asthma sufferers are a third more likely to be allergic to cats than those without the respiratory disease.
They said people with asthma planning to stay with family over the Christmas period should pack an extra inhaler if a pet cat is also going to be there.

The number of people with asthma who are also allergic to cats has more than doubled in less than 20 years

The researchers say itchy noses and sneezes do not just happen in winter, with asthma sufferers more likely to be allergic to environmental triggers in autumn - such as ragweed, ryegrass and alternaria fungus.
The U.S. researchers compared the results to the 'Thanksgiving Effect' - where students return home to a pet they did not have symptoms to before and are now allergic.
They discovered that from 1976 to 1994, the number of people with asthma who are also allergic to cats has more than doubled.
The study by the New Jersey Medical School also revealed that an estimated 60 per cent to 85 per cent of people with asthma have at least one allergy.
Dr James Sublett, of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, said: ‘This study helps us better understand common trends in allergy and asthma, which can lead to improved diagnosis and treatment.
‘While it is unknown exactly why there has been an increase in asthma and allergy sufferers, it is thought a number of environmental factors can be responsible.’

Asthma sufferers are a third more likely to be allergic to cats than those without the respiratory disease

Dr Leonard Bielory, lead author presenting the study at the college's annual science meeting, said: ‘Allergies can strike at any age in life, with symptoms disappearing and resurfacing years later.
‘Allergies and asthma are serious diseases. Misdiagnoses and inappropriate treatment can be dangerous.’
While the latest research shows that cats can aggravate asthma, previous studies have suggested that dogs guard against it.
Researchers at the University of California found that the dust in homes with dogs offers protection against a common respiratory virus linked to the development of asthma in children.
The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is common in infants and the more severe the symptoms the more likely the child is to develop in asthma.
Previous research, from the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, has also shown that children born by C-section are five times more likely to develop an allergy as those born naturally.
Scientists believe this is because the babies are left vulnerable by avoiding the journal through the birth canal, which could expose them to their mother's bacteria.

ADS

Share this article :

Share on FB Tweet Share on G+ Submit to Digg