Q: I know that I have the coughing type of asthma after I have had a cold. However, it now seems to be present almost every day. I use an inhaler if it gets bad. Is there anything else I can do? I think the cat may be part of the problem, but I really don’t want to let her go.
A: You will need to work with your doctor by keeping track of your symptoms. This can be done by keeping a diary of your daily activities and noting the times when you get wheezing or coughing, shortness of breath and disturbed sleep patterns.
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Note if these symptoms are made worse by cuddling the cat or being outdoors at certain times of year when pollen levels are high. Do you also have a runny nose or itchy eyes? Do your symptoms get worse if you exercise or go upstairs? How many times a day are you using your inhaler?
You do not say if the doctor has performed any type of lung function tests such as peak flow and spirometry. The latter measures how well your lungs are performing by measuring how much air you can push out after you have taken a deep breath. This iscalled the forced expiratory volume (FEV). If any of these signs and symptoms have got worse since your last appointment, your medications may need some adjustments. You may also be prescribed some long-term preventive medications, such as a corticosteroid type of inhaler, which should be used daily. These can not only reduce but eliminate bad attacks of asthma.
The typical short-acting inhalers such as Ventolin or albuterol can work fast to help with wheezing and breathing but should not be overused or their effectiveness can wear off.
If you suspect the cat is partly to blame but you don’t want to give her away, there are measures that could help decrease the amount of cat dander in the air.
Try not to cuddle her as much as possible and designate some areas of the house such as bedrooms to be cat-free zones. Give her a bath once a week. This might be difficult, so you may need to visit a professional pet groomer.
You also should try and keep the house as clean as possible but wear a mask while vacuuming or dusting or get someone else to do it for you.
Use a HEPAfilter type of air cleaner.
As a last resort, try to turn the cat into an outdoor dweller as much as possible, unless you live near a busy highway. Finally, try to avoid contact with other people’s cats.
