Doctor Recommends 4 Practices to Help Asthma Patients Live Safely with Pets
For asthma patients concerned about living with pets, Dr. Lu Chun-yu from Changhua Christian Hospital suggests four practices. He notes that besides pet hair, proteins in saliva can also trigger allergic reactions, and recommends measures like frequent cleaning and using high-efficiency air purifiers to reduce the risk of asthma attacks.
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- 📰 Published: May 16, 2026 at 17:23
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Central News Agency, Changhua, 16th — Living safely with pets is a key concern for many asthma patients. Dr. Lu Chun-yu, a thoracic medicine physician at Changhua Christian Hospital (CCH), states that in addition to pet hair, owners often overlook that salivary proteins can also trigger allergic reactions. He recommends four practices to reduce the risk of asthma attacks.
Pets are important members of many families. CCH held an asthma patient support group meeting to discuss how scientific environmental management and regular medication can help owners balance respiratory health with the quality of life of pet companionship.
In a press release today, Dr. Lu stated that asthma is primarily caused by a patient's sensitive respiratory tract. According to domestic research, the top two allergens for Taiwanese people are dust mites and house dust mites. The number of pets in a home can also increase the overall concentration of environmental allergens. When an owner's immune system is weak or they have a respiratory infection, it can trigger an asthma attack.
Dr. Lu said that many owners think frequent cleaning of pet hair is sufficient, but they overlook salivary proteins. After a pet licks its fur, the dried saliva combines with dust and mites in the environment and spreads throughout the home. If waste is also improperly cleaned, it can easily become a strong source of allergens.
To reduce the risk of asthma attacks, Dr. Lu recommends four practices: enhance environmental cleaning by increasing the frequency of vacuuming and wiping to reduce allergen accumulation; regularly change bedding, using mite-proof and easily washable materials; use high-efficiency equipment, such as air purifiers with HEPA-grade high-efficiency allergy protection to filter fine particles; and strictly follow medical advice.
The doctor also stated that if you have a chronic cough, you should go to the hospital for an examination to clarify the cause and follow medical advice. Maintaining good control of respiratory symptoms can also allow you to continue to accompany your pets. (Editor: Huang Ming-hsi) 1150516
Pets are important members of many families. CCH held an asthma patient support group meeting to discuss how scientific environmental management and regular medication can help owners balance respiratory health with the quality of life of pet companionship.
In a press release today, Dr. Lu stated that asthma is primarily caused by a patient's sensitive respiratory tract. According to domestic research, the top two allergens for Taiwanese people are dust mites and house dust mites. The number of pets in a home can also increase the overall concentration of environmental allergens. When an owner's immune system is weak or they have a respiratory infection, it can trigger an asthma attack.
Dr. Lu said that many owners think frequent cleaning of pet hair is sufficient, but they overlook salivary proteins. After a pet licks its fur, the dried saliva combines with dust and mites in the environment and spreads throughout the home. If waste is also improperly cleaned, it can easily become a strong source of allergens.
To reduce the risk of asthma attacks, Dr. Lu recommends four practices: enhance environmental cleaning by increasing the frequency of vacuuming and wiping to reduce allergen accumulation; regularly change bedding, using mite-proof and easily washable materials; use high-efficiency equipment, such as air purifiers with HEPA-grade high-efficiency allergy protection to filter fine particles; and strictly follow medical advice.
The doctor also stated that if you have a chronic cough, you should go to the hospital for an examination to clarify the cause and follow medical advice. Maintaining good control of respiratory symptoms can also allow you to continue to accompany your pets. (Editor: Huang Ming-hsi) 1150516