There are conflicting views regarding whether exposure to cat or dog increases the risk of asthma and allergic rhinitis.
This meta-analysis was done with the purpose to assess the associations between exposure to cats or dogs and the development of asthma and allergic rhinitis.
A systematic review was performed to identify case-control and cohort studies, evaluating the association between exposure to cats and dogs and the risk of asthma and rhinitis.
The meta-analysis of 34 cohort studies showed a protective role of exposure to cats or dogs in the development of asthma. The subgroup analysis of birth cohort and children population also suggested a favorable role of exposure to dogs in the development of asthma. Pooled evidence indicated no significant impact of cats and dogs on the development of asthma. A pooled analysis of five cohort studies showed a favorable effect of exposure to cats or dogs on the development of allergic rhinitis.
The findings of this study indicated a protective effect of exposure to cats and dogs, especially ownership, on the development of asthma and allergic rhinitis.
Reference: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1945892420932487
