Asthma Patients Also Suffer from Cat Allergies

Asthma sufferers are also developing allergies from cats, according to a recent study.

The new study has revealed that majority of people who have asthma are also allergic to cats. A third of asthma sufferers not yet diagnosed with cat allergies are also more prone to acquiring the condition compared to those without the respiratory disease. Researchers compared the results to the 'Thanksgiving Effect', where students returned home to pet they initially did not have allergies to before and are now allergic. They found out that between the years 1976 to 1994, the number of people with asthma and are also allergic to cats doubled.

The New Jersey Medical School study claimed that approximately 60 percent to 85 percent of people with asthma have at least one allergy. "This study helps us better understand common trends in allergy and asthma, which can lead to improved diagnosis and treatment. While it is unknown exactly why there has been an increase in asthma and allergy sufferers, it is thought a number of environmental factors can be responsible," said Dr. James Sublett of the American College of Allergy.

"Allergies can strike at any age in life, with symptoms disappearing and resurfacing years later. Allergies and asthma are serious diseases. Misdiagnoses and inappropriate treatment can be dangerous," said lead study author Dr. Leonard Bielory. On the other hand, researchers from the University of California found that dogs guard against asthma and other types of allergies. They said that dust in homes with dogs offers protection against a common type of respiratory virus that is known to develop asthma among children. Previous studies showed that babies born by C-section are five times more likely to develop allergies than those delivered normally.