It is common for children with asthma to grow up with pets. Therefore, it is relevant to examine whether dogs influence the condition.
According to forskning.se, the Karolinska Institutet explains that knowledge in this area has previously been limited.
Researchers have therefore analyzed data from 99,389 children with asthma and respiratory allergies.
The children were followed over several years, and their exposure to dogs was divided into three groups: no dog, constant contact, or discontinued contact.
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No difference
The study, published in Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: Global, shows that there is no clear difference in the long-term severity of asthma.
After several years of follow-up, children with dogs and those without had roughly the same level of disease.
However, the study has certain limitations. Among other things, the researchers were unable to distinguish between children with dog allergies and those with other types of allergies.
Acute asthma attacks
When looking at acute asthma attacks, a different picture emerges. Children living with a dog have a slightly higher risk of acute episodes compared with children without a dog.
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This also applies to families that have removed the dog. According to the research, this does not reduce the risk of acute attacks.
One possible explanation is that allergens from dogs can remain in the home for a long time and may also be present in places such as schools.
Overall, the study suggests that dogs do not affect the long-term development of asthma, but they may influence the risk of acute attacks.
Sources: Forskning.se, Karolinska Institutet, Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: Global.
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