“Have asthma and have to say goodbye to your pet?” ... It’s dander and saliva, not fur, that are the problem [Health Talk]

[Financial News] Having asthma does not necessarily mean you have to part with your pet. The main culprits behind allergies are not fur, but proteins in skin flakes and saliva. You can live together if you identify the cause through allergy testing and reduce exposure. 

Pets can trigger or worsen asthma by causing allergic reactions. Although fur is commonly thought to be the cause, the main allergens are actually proteins found in skin flakes or saliva.
That does not mean you necessarily have to part with your pet. First, it is important to identify the cause through allergy testing and reduce exposure. Immunotherapy may be considered depending on the person’s condition. If asthma remains poorly controlled despite these measures, then separation from the pet should be considered carefully.

During seasonal transitions, when day-to-night temperature swings are large, the air becomes cold and dry, easily irritating the airways. Colds, pollen and fine particulate matter can compound the problem and worsen coughing, while people with asthma, whose bronchial tubes are sensitive, react more strongly to these changes. If a cough recurs with every change of season or continues even after a cold has cleared, asthma should be considered.
Asthma is a disease involving chronic inflammation of the airways, which become hypersensitive and narrow easily. It can cause shortness of breath and wheezing, along with coughing. Symptoms often worsen at night or in the early morning and are aggravated by cold air or exercise; periods of improvement and worsening are also characteristic. Some people have asthma that causes only a cough, so it is a good idea to get tested if a cough persists or keeps recurring.
Asthma develops through a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The likelihood of developing asthma is higher if someone in the family has asthma or an allergic condition, or if the person has atopic dermatitis or allergic rhinitis. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen and mold, as well as cigarette smoke and air pollution, can also play a role.

With proper treatment, asthma symptoms can be controlled without interfering with daily life. Inhaled steroids are central to treatment and are considered safe even when used for a long time. Biologic agents can be used for severe asthma that remains uncontrolled despite treatment. Do not stop taking medication on your own just because symptoms have improved; ongoing management is important.
Lifestyle management is also important. Avoid factors that irritate the bronchial tubes, such as cigarette smoke and fine particulate matter, and regularly manage the indoor environment to reduce dust mites and mold.
Professor Kim Yeon-hee of the Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology at Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital said, “Asthma is a condition that requires both medication and management of the living environment,” adding, “If a cough recurs with every change of season or symptoms continue even after a cold has cleared, it is a good idea to consider asthma and get tested at a hospital.” 


[email protected] Jeong Myeong-jin, Medical Correspondent Reporter