Pets - Asthma Triggers: Asthma
Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School
Pets
Warm-blooded animals — such as cats, dogs, rabbits, and birds — produce substances on their skin, fur, and feathers, and even in their saliva and urine, that are common allergic triggers for people with asthma. If pets make your asthma worse, try the following:
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If you want a pet, choose fish or a reptile such as a lizard or iguana.
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If you already have a pet cat, dog, or bird, consider finding it a new home.
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If you don't want to give up your pet, at least keep the animal out of your bedroom.
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Vacuum frequently, preferably with a HEPA vacuum cleaner.
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Use a free-standing HEPA filter in the bedroom or family room to reduce allergen exposure.
| Last updated: | September 27, 2007 |
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Medical content reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School. Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.
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