MULTIFACTORIAL STUDY OF PATIENTS WITH ASTHMA .2. AIR-POLLUTION, ANIMAL DANDER AND ASTHMA SYMPTOMS

Abstract

As part of a multifactorial computer-assisted study of patients with asthma, the relationship between air pollution, animal dander and asthma symptoms was evaluated. No association was found between 4 major air pollutants (CO, O3, nitrogen oxides and SO2) and asthma symptoms. Patients who owned cats and dogs reported more severe asthma symptoms (P < .01) than patients who did not own these pets. Daily exposure to cats and dogs accounts for more of the asthma symptoms differences between patients than daily exposure to air pollutants.