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Published on: November 4, 2010
Association between pet-keeping and asthma in school children
Biljana Medjo1, Marina Atanaskovic-Markovic, Dimitrije Nikolic
1Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, University Children's Hospital, Medical Faculty, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia. medjo.biljana@gmail.com
Summary
Early cat exposure in infancy significantly increases the risk of sensitization to cat allergens, but pet ownership does not increase childhood asthma risk. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Environmental Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The relationship between pet exposure during childhood and the development of asthma and allergies remains a subject of scientific debate.
- Investigating the timing of pet exposure is crucial for understanding its impact on allergic diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between pet ownership at different life stages in childhood and the prevalence of asthma and allergic sensitization.
- To clarify the role of early-life pet exposure in the development of respiratory and allergic conditions.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 149 school-aged children (7-14 years) was studied, including those with and without physician-diagnosed asthma.
- Pet exposure history was collected via questionnaire, and allergic sensitization was assessed using skin prick tests and specific serum IgE levels.
- Logistic regression analysis was employed to analyze the data, controlling for potential confounding factors.
Main Results:
- No significant association was found between overall pet-keeping (early, past, or current) and the presence of asthma in children.
- Early-life exposure to cats was significantly linked to sensitization to cat allergens (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 51.59).
- Conversely, pet ownership after the first year of life showed no association with sensitization to pet allergens.
Conclusions:
- Pet ownership in childhood does not appear to elevate the risk of developing asthma.
- Exposure to cats during the first year of life is associated with an increased risk of sensitization to cat allergens.
- Larger, prospective birth cohort studies are recommended, particularly in Serbia, to further elucidate the complex relationship between pet exposure, asthma, and allergic sensitization.
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