How can pets affect asthma?

Animal dander, which consists of tiny flakes of skin shed by cats, dogs, and other pets, as well as saliva and urine, is a well-documented allergen that can provoke asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals. For many asthma patients, exposure to these allergens can lead to increased inflammation in the airways, resulting in symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Understanding the relationship between pet dander and asthma is crucial for managing symptoms effectively, particularly for individuals who may have a known allergy to certain animals. Controlling exposure to these allergens, therefore, becomes an important part of asthma management for affected individuals.