Asthma, Cats & Babies

katstewart · Apr 13, 2008

I am not sure which forum to post this. If it's in wrong place, please move to the appropriate forum.

Hey there!!!

I just got diagosed with Asthma last month. And is put on flovent inhaler 2x a day and albuterol for emergency.

My concern is.. I have 5 cats. I do not notice any problems with cats. Just when I am doing something really fast like running, walking fast or out of breath I need the inhaler.

My question is:
Would it get worse when I get pregnant? Would asthma affect my baby to have it and would the baby develop asthma and allergies due to having cats?

I've lived with cats my whole life. I can't live without them!!!!

Anyone experience this???? I want to be prepared before I get pregnant with #1.

Thanks

goldenkitty45 · Apr 13, 2008

I would suspect its a 50/50 chance with the baby being allergic too. I have no clue as to if it will be worse on you when you are pregnant.

But I do recommend you start wiping your cats down daily with distilled drinking water to help lessen the allergies.

I'm assuming you don't have a lot of rugs/carpets in the house. The less the better to keep the floors clean and not have hair sitting around. I would try and keep the cats out of the baby's room as much as you can.

mom of 4 · Apr 13, 2008

I've had asthma my entire life. Allergy testing shows that I am not allergic to cats or dog (thank heavens), just everything else.

I had three children, none of whom now have asthma (2 had RAD for a short in their teens). One does have environmental allergies.

Your OB needs to know about the asthma and the meds you are on, but wil most likely defer to your allergist. Talk to your allergist before you decide to get pregnant. This will allow him to adjust your meds to the most pregnancy friendly ones.
When I worried about the possible risk to the baby due the the meds I was taking, my family doc said it was better than the known risk of a low oxygen supply.

My youngest is getting her bachelors next month - graduating with honors. Guess the meds didn't hurt her too much. Or her brothers who are working on their masters.

katstewart · Apr 13, 2008

Originally Posted by GoldenKitty45

I would suspect its a 50/50 chance with the baby being allergic too. I have no clue as to if it will be worse on you when you are pregnant.

But I do recommend you start wiping your cats down daily with distilled drinking water to help lessen the allergies.

I'm assuming you don't have a lot of rugs/carpets in the house. The less the better to keep the floors clean and not have hair sitting around. I would try and keep the cats out of the baby's room as much as you can.

Thanks

I've heard about wiping cats down daily with water. But distilled drinking water? Do you mean like tap water?

Unfortunately I do have carpet. I live in a rented basement. I HATE carpet. I prefer wood floor.

katstewart · Apr 13, 2008

Originally Posted by Mom of 4

I've had asthma my entire life. Allergy testing shows that I am not allergic to cats or dog (thank heavens), just everything else.

I had three children, none of whom now have asthma (2 had RAD for a short in their teens). One does have environmental allergies.

Your OB needs to know about the asthma and the meds you are on, but wil most likely defer to your allergist. Talk to your allergist before you decide to get pregnant. This will allow him to adjust your meds to the most pregnancy friendly ones.
When I worried about the possible risk to the baby due the the meds I was taking, my family doc said it was better than the known risk of a low oxygen supply.

My youngest is getting her bachelors next month - graduating with honors. Guess the meds didn't hurt her too much. Or her brothers who are working on their masters.

I haven't had the allergy test. What do they do to you? I heard they poke needle in you? I have needle phobia.

I always have a biggest fear I'd be allergic to cats but I don't have the symptoms. Thank God!!

Yeah I told my OB/Gyn, she said once I'm pregnant, let my doctor know so they could alter my meds.

Good luck to your kid getting a BA degree!!

Thanks!

mews2much · Apr 13, 2008

My Dad was born with Asthma. Me and my brother have it too. I think it really depends if the baby will have Asthma or not. When I was a Baby they said with all my Dad Allergies it was good I had none. I am very Allergic to everything and have Hay fever too. It all came from my Dad. only me and my Brother have Asthma out of 6 Kids. I wanted Kids but never had any. My Dr told me Asthma can become worse if you get Preg but not always. It really depends on the person. I have Albuterol too for when it acts up but it gives me Headaches. I use Qvar twice a Day everyday for the Asthma.

goldenkitty45 · Apr 13, 2008

No - not tap water. Has to be the bottled distilled water you find in food stores. The distilled water will lessen the allergies. Regular tap water doesn't do this

mews2much · Apr 13, 2008

The Allergy testing isnt that bad. It is done with Needles but it is not like a Shot.

whiteforest · Apr 13, 2008

I have asthma and I don't have any issues with my own cats, but if I go to someone else's house I start coughing. I don't know how pregnancy effects asthma, and I'm not sure how likely it is to pass on to your baby either. I know nobody in my family has any asthma except for my second youngest brother, and myself and that is of 6 children.

strange_wings · Apr 13, 2008

DH has asthma and allergies, and obviously we have cats.

He's not bothered by them, he even brushes them sometimes. Cat fur directly in his face doesn't even set off an attack (Sho has a very soft squishy belly..

).

Keep your cats brushed and vacuum/dust regularly. You may find that scented stuff like air fresheners and scented carpet powder will set off an attack - I suggest you avoid these, they're far more irritating than cat dander could ever be.

whiteforest · Apr 13, 2008

Originally Posted by strange_wings

You may find that scented stuff like air fresheners and scented carpet powder will set off an attack - I suggest you avoid these, they're far more irritating than cat dander could ever be.

That is so true! Dust, air fresheners, perfumes and mold are my biggest enemies. I'd recommend washing your clothes, towels and bedding with vinegar in the wash, too. Just pour 1/2 cup in. It kills any mold spores lingering around and no, it doesn't come out smelling like vinegar!

mom of 4 · Apr 13, 2008

Originally Posted by KatStewart

Yeah I told my OB/Gyn, she said once I'm pregnant, let my doctor know so they could alter my meds.

Good luck to your kid getting a BA degree!!

Thanks!

Please check with your allergist before you decide to get pregnant. Most of the meds are fine with pregnancies, but not all. The first 12 weeks of the pregnancy (IOW, before you know you are pregnant) is the most critical time for developing major birth defects.

Thanks for the wishes for my daughter. She is in a weird deal - taking her first year of physical therapy classes (graduate level) before getting her BS. It saves us a year of college expenses!

swampwitch · Apr 13, 2008

I am allergic to cats. I will not give up my family, which includes my kitties. I am also allergic to every tree in North America but one, and I can't do anything about that, why would I get rid of my kitty members of the family?

Evidently, kids are better off being exposed to pet allergens... their allergies are less if exposed... I've been asthmatic since I was two and my cat was never allowed in the house. Also, I had a German mother which means super-clean at all times but I'm still allergic.

Don't worry too much and good luck.

mews2much · Apr 13, 2008

The Dr did try to make me get rid of my Cats in 1989 and I refused. I have more now then I did then.

katstewart · Apr 13, 2008

Thanks everyone! I feel better now I'm not the only one with asthma!!!

I will check with the specialist and get that figured out before I get pregnant.

Ahh ok distilled water. Thanks.

I just never knew what to expect when it comes to asthma because last time I had asthma was when I was a little girl and I outgrew it.

1/2 Vinegar mixed with detergent? Interesting. I'll have to try that.

cococat · Apr 14, 2008

Good luck to you and keep us updated. I think there are several tricks to successfully living with cats and allergies/asthma.

AbbysMom · Apr 14, 2008

Have you been diagnosed with allergies? It sounds more like your asthma is exercise-induced.

Many doctors will implicate the cats and tell you to get rid of them before even doing allergy testing to find out if you are allergic.

If you do end up being allergic, this article has some tips for dealing with it:

http://www.thecatsite.com/Health/223...t-Allergy.html

katstewart · Apr 14, 2008

The doctor never said if it was due to exercise-induced. Just said I had asthma. I got diagnosed last month so I'm still learning how to control asthma.
Thanks for the website link!

I just never realized how common asthma is in the U.S. Its a shame its due to environment, genetics etc.

Did your doctor tell you to lose weight? I ned to lose about 50 lbs. I was offended by her remark! LOL

Asthma, Cats & Babies

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