Pets and Childhood Asthma- Atlanta ENT

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, over 70 percent of U.S. households have a dog or cat. Unfortunately, furry pets are also the most common causes of allergy problems, especially in infants and children. It has been estimated that as much as 30 percent of asthma sufferers also have pet allergies.

If you have pets in the home and your child has allergy or asthma symptoms, the first step is to have allergy testing done to determine the root of the problem. If your little one is allergic to their furry companion, there are adjustments that can be made in the home to help reduce the problem, and treatments that can be provided at your doctor’s office to help reduce or eliminate symptoms.

If you suspect your pet is causing allergy or asthma symptoms, exposure can be reduced by:

• Keeping pet out of child’s bedroom
• Keep pet outdoors as much as possible
• Discourage your child from hugging, petting and brushing the pet
• Restrict indoor only pets to as few rooms of the house as possible
• Have a central air cleaner installed in your HVAC system
• Use HEPA filters
• Vacuum carpets and mop floors daily
• Wash pet as often as possible

Treatment options including immunotherapy, or allergy shots, may be a solution to your child’s pet induced allergy or asthma symptoms. Contact Atlanta ENT today for a consultation.

Ramie A. Tritt, MD, President of Atlanta ENT