On weekends, many families take their dogs for a walk or open windows wide to ventilate their homes. However, if there is a child with asthma, even these ordinary routines could be factors worsening their health, according to a study. It suggests that the environment of living with pets can increase airway inflammation and exacerbate asthma severity, even if the child does not have allergies to dogs or cats.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's National Institute of Health announced on the 27th that in a long-term study tracking 975 pediatric asthma patients in Korea, children from households with pets consistently showed higher levels of respiratory inflammation compared to those without pets. As more families enjoy outdoor activities with their pets on weekends, this study provides a direct answer to parents questioning, “Why does my child keep having severe coughing despite negative allergy tests?”

● Higher risk of worsening pediatric asthma in households with pets

The research team led by Professor Yoo Jin-ho at Asan Medical Center in Seoul analyzed various factors such as pet ownership, allergy sensitization status, lung function, airway inflammation indicators (exhaled nitric oxide), and hospitalization history in the past 12 months among 975 pediatric asthma patients aged 5 to 15. The findings align with parents' experiences of worsening symptoms after outdoor activities on nice days.

The research team tracked changes in the children for 6 to 12 months after the study began. The results showed that children from households with pets consistently had high levels of airway inflammation, lasting for at least six months. They also had more frequent hospital treatments for asthma in the past year, and some showed a noticeable decline in lung function.

● “Even with negative allergy tests, exposure itself increases inflammation”

This aspect is the most confusing for parents. To the question, “My child tested negative for allergies, so is it okay to live with a dog?” this study provides clear data that “it is not necessarily safe.” The researchers explained that even children without allergies to dogs or cats may find it difficult to control asthma if they live continuously with pets.

At the 12-month mark, the differences between groups tended to decrease slightly, interpreted as a result of various factors such as seasonal changes, lifestyle habits, and medication adjustments.

● Research resolves clinical questions on why conditions worsen

This study is significant as it addresses one of the most frequently asked questions in clinical settings.

Many parents ask, “The tests are negative, so why does my child keep coughing and wheezing?” Experts can now clearly explain that “exposure to pets itself can increase airway inflammation.”

Kim Won-ho, Director of the National Institute of Health, stated, “Previously, we only advised patients with pet allergies to avoid keeping dogs or cats, but now we know that even without allergies, airway inflammation can worsen and asthma can exacerbate.”

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency plans to announce ‘Pet Allergy Prevention and Management Guidelines’ in December to prevent and manage the occurrence and exacerbation of allergies due to pets, in connection with this study's findings.

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