That s it; the single best way to assure control over your asthma symptoms due to pet residue. Deciding to keep the pet despite your allergies will surely increase the severity of your symptoms over time. All animals with fur also release dander; there s no such thing as an allergy-free cat or dog. Your best bet is to reduce the exposure to pet allergens to aid your asthma: -For cats or dogs: have another household member wash it twice a week. You ve got medicine, you ve got asthma is that all? There are many ways that you can help yourself breathe easier, even when you re living with asthma. Dust, pet dander, and smoke can all irritate any breathing condition, including asthma. Cleaning your home of these irritants can make living with asthma a whole lot easier. Controlling asthma through medication is the preferred method of living with asthma for most people, and can be a fairly hassle-free experience. One you get into the regular routine of taking your medication, living with asthma is no problem at all. Taking a few extra steps, like eliminating smoke from the home or controlling the dust mite population, makes living with asthma worry-free. The medication is there to make sure they do not suffer asthma attacks. It should not interfere with their daily lives, such as sport, dancing and exercise. Smoking of course is bad for everyone s health and can make asthma even worse. Always make sure that your teenagers teachers and school mates know they suffer with asthma so that they will no what to do in case of an attack and make sure they keep their inhalers with them wherever they go. Typical Symptoms Typical symptoms of asthma may mimic Chronic Bronchitis, and Emphysema, colds and allergy. So if you were in any doubt that your elderly relative has had a cold for too long, or they appear extra breathless or wheezy then it would probably be best to get them checked out by their G.P even though they may tell you they are fine. If this is the case, you really need to put this problem to rest before beginning your program again. If, ordinarily, your asthma is in under control, yet symptoms pop up after five or ten minutes from beginning your program, you re experiencing what is known as Exercise-induced asthma. Exercise-induced asthma is a result of the airways reacting sensitively to temperature or humidity changes.