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Asthma in cats occurs when the airways swell up and restrict airflow. It is very similar to the condition that occurs in humans. Male cats are much less likely to develop asthma when compared to their female counterparts. You may be wondering what could cause your cat's airways to become inflated and swell up.
Causes
Many different things can cause cat asthma. Allergens such as pollen, smoke, and dust are commonly to blame. There are also certain parasites that can cause your cat to develop this condition. Cold, moist air, chemicals, and certain types of cat litter can also cause asthma.
Symptoms
Coughing is the most prominent sign of asthma in cats. Some cats only cough occasionally, while others will do so excessively. Cats that develop severing coughing episodes typically vomit after a coughing fit. Since felines may have a hard time breathing, they may stop breathing through their nose and instead breathe through their open mouth.
Diagnosis
This condition can sometimes be hard to diagnose initially because various other disease can cause some of the same symptoms. This means that your veterinarian will have to rule out all other causes before determining that your cat definitely has asthma. Once tests have been done to check for the presence of parasites, your cat will likely have a chest x-ray done. This will allow the vet to check for inflamed bronchioles in the lungs and other signs of asthma.
Treatment
You should be aware that asthma in cats can not be cured. Although treatment will not cure the condition, it will allow your cat to live a normal life. Bronchodilators are usually used to treat mild cases of asthma. If your cat has a moderate to severe case, he will need to be treated with corticosteroids. This will help reduce inflammation in the airways.
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Source by D Swain
