Is there a link between pets and asthma?

The Asthma Society of Ireland is launching an Asthma Friendly Homes campaign, advising people with pets and asthma on how to cope.

Eleanor Duncan, consulting respiratory physician at the UCD School of Medicine and St Vincent's University Hospital, says: "Animals are very common triggers of asthma symptoms, and people may be allergic to just one animal or many animals."

"It's a common problem, especially coming into winter when people are spending more time indoors."

Eleanor says that those with severe asthma may need to consider rehoming their pet, but for those who choose not to do so, there are a few measures you can take such as keeping the pet outside as much as possible, keeping them away from furniture and fabrics, and vacuuming regularly.

She also advises people with asthma to see their doctor in case they are in fact allergic to something else.

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