Childhood asthma is a growing health concern, with an estimated 4% to 9% of children aged 6 to 12 being diagnosed with the condition. There are various factors associated with asthma, including genetic markers and environmental triggers like exposure to pets or tobacco smoke.
Contradicting reports
have been published regarding the link between living with pets and childhood asthma. Some studies suggest that pets may actually decrease the risk of asthma, rather than increase it.
Signs Dogs Can Detect an Asthma Attack
Dogs have a keen sense of smell, allowing them to detect situations that could trigger an asthma attack. This gives owners the opportunity to remove themselves from the triggering environment and take their preventative medication.
Dogs are often trained to exhibit specific behaviors as alerts for an impending asthma attack, such as whining, nudging, barking, or jumping.
Body Language
Some signs that dogs may exhibit, signaling an upcoming asthma attack, include:
– Alertness
– Barking
– Whining
– Jumping up
– Sniffing
Other Signs
Additional signs to watch for include:
– Nudging
– Staying by your side
History Behind Dogs and Asthma
In the past, dogs were wild and not commonly kept as pets indoors, which is why the link between dogs and asthma was not an issue. As dogs became domesticated, some people with allergies experienced exacerbated symptoms when dogs were present indoors. This contributed to the misconception that dogs cause asthma.
Science Behind Dogs and Asthma
There are approximately 235 million people worldwide with asthma. Of these individuals, 10% are allergic to pets, and 75% have allergies in general. While dogs and cats are often blamed for pet allergies, cat allergies are actually 50% more common than dog allergies. Any warm-blooded animal can be a source of pet allergies.
Pet allergies are triggered by allergens like flakes of skin (dander), saliva, feces, and urine produced by warm-blooded animals. When allergic individuals come into contact with these allergens, their immune system releases proteins called IgE antigens. These antigens attach to mast cells, causing inflammation in the airways, throat, nose, and eyes. This leads to symptoms such as irritability, difficulty breathing, wheezing, sneezing, coughing, congestion, itchy throat, and watery, itchy eyes.
Studies have investigated whether having a dog provides a protective element against the progression of allergies from eczema to nasal allergies and asthma. Research has shown that pregnant mothers exposed to dogs for at least an hour each day had children with a reduced risk of eczema by the age of two. However, this protection diminished by the age of ten.
Another study examined the effects of different types of dog exposure on children with asthma. Exposure to elements carried by dogs appeared to have a protective effect on asthma symptoms. In contrast, exposure to dog allergens increased asthma symptoms in children with a dog allergy.
For those with a dog allergy, it is recommended to work with an allergist to reduce exposure. Some tips for managing a dog allergy while keeping a dog in the home include bathing the dog weekly to reduce airborne allergens, using a HEPA cleaner, limiting the dog’s access to certain rooms, and removing upholstered carpets or furniture.
Training a Dog to Detect Asthma Attacks
Dogs can be trained to detect signs of an asthma attack and can be trained to press an emergency button or alert someone nearby. These trained dogs can remind their owners to take medication, check their oxygen levels, seek medical help, wake them up if their breathing sounds poor, and even find and bring medication. Carrying asthma medication on the dog at all times can ensure it is always within reach.
“A dog’s keen sense of smell can help detect asthma attacks and provide early warning to their owners.”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ The link between living with pets and childhood asthma is not clear-cut. While some studies suggest that pets may increase the risk of asthma, others indicate that pets can actually decrease the chance of developing asthma. It is important to discuss any concerns or allergies with an allergist and take appropriate measures to reduce allergen exposure if necessary.
2️⃣ Dogs have a natural ability to detect asthma attacks in their owners. They can exhibit signs such as whining, nudging, barking, and jumping to alert their owners to an impending attack. This gives the owner time to remove themselves from the triggering situation and take their preventive medication.
3️⃣ For individuals with asthma or respiratory conditions, having a medically trained dog can provide valuable assistance. These dogs can be trained to remind their owners to take medication, check oxygen levels, and even seek medical help. It may be beneficial to explore the option of training a dog to assist with managing asthma symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. What percentage of children aged 6 to 12 are diagnosed with childhood asthma?
– Approximately 4% to 9% of children aged 6 to 12 have been diagnosed with childhood asthma.
2. Can exposure to dogs or cats in the home cause childhood asthma?
– There are varying reports on the relationship between exposure to pets and childhood asthma. Some studies suggest that pets can actually decrease the chance of childhood asthma, while others indicate a potential increase in risk.
3. How can dogs detect an impending asthma attack?
– Dogs have a keen sense of smell and can exhibit behaviors such as whining, nudging, barking, and jumping to alert their owners to an impending asthma attack.
4. What are some signs that a dog may give before an asthma attack?
– Signs that a dog may give before an asthma attack include alertness, barking, whining, jumping up, and sniffing.
5. Does having a dog indoors increase the risk of asthma for people with allergies?
– While dog allergies can exacerbate symptoms for individuals with allergies, studies have shown that contact with elements carried by dogs may have a protective element for symptoms related to asthma. However, contact with dog allergens can increase symptoms for those with a dog allergy.
