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Asthma Asthma is also called chronic bronchitis or allergic bronchitis. Inhaled antigens within airways cause a sudden contraction of the airway smooth muscle, narrowing the air passages. The disease is often progressive. The antigens that initiate the airways are usually not identified, but the common suspects are grass and tree pollens, smoke (cigarette or fireplace), sprays (hair sprays, flea sprays, household deodorizers), dusty cat litter, and flea powder. Food allergy is also a consideration. Cigarette smoke is becoming a greater suspect in smokers' households because the pollutants gravitate to the floor or carpet. The most common sign of asthma is coughing, severe cases have difficulty breathing and wheezing. X-rays or blood samples may be useful in some cases as an aid to diagnosis. Treatment for mild asthmatic cases involves administering steroids such as prednisolone possibly in combination with drugs to dilate the air passages. Antibiotics are useful if there is a secondary infectious bronchitis. Weight loss in obese cats is an important part of therapy and if possible avoidance of the allergens that may be causing the asthma such as dusty cat litter and cigarette smoke. If an acute respiratory crisis develops then hospitalisation and oxygen therapy can be used. The prognosis is good in the short term, however other problems may arise as a sequel to longstanding asthma problems. |
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