Allergic to Fluffy? You're at Risk for Asthma

A recent study shows that being allergic to cats is a strong risk factor for the development of asthma. This is likely to be especially true for people with allergies to cats, yet continue to have a pet cat in the home. Other risk factors for the development of asthma include allergy to oak pollen and a common outdoor mold, called Alternaria.

Cat allergen is unique in its ability to cause allergies in that it is produced in enormous amounts, is airborne, it sticks to everything, and it persists for long periods of time. And, unlike pollen allergens, which are typically larger and get stuck in the nose and upper part of the airways, cat allergen particles are very small, and can be inhaled deep into the lungs. The cat allergen can then cause inflammation deep in the lungs, potentially resulting in asthma in those allergic to cats.

Learn more about cat allergy, and what you can do if you're allergic to your cat, but can't bear to part with Fluffy.