Evening star., 1924-03-23
BIZ DIR. HARRY =. BERNTON,
Member Of Medical STAFF of Woman's
Welfare AssOcka ton.

nemDCT heuCaI StaH W Oman ~
Welfare Association.
TIME fact that horses. dogs, cats
and fowls are capable of caus-
ing attacks of asthma in man
is now appreciated by the
medical profession. Animals are con-
stanuy "shedding'-that is to say,
dead hairs, scales and feathers are
given off which are replaced by a new
growth. This process. even though
invisible to the naked eye, gives rise
to large amount of microscopic dust
Curiously enough, there are some per-
sons who are affected by horse dan
der. others by dog hair. and still 9TH
ers by cat hair.
Some unfortunates may be sensitive
to more than one variety of dust. In
halation of the dust produces an at
tack of asthma Accordingly. horse
asthma" dog asthma" and "cat asth-
ma" are terms used to designate the
source of organic dust which may
poison susceptible individuals. Some
asthmatics learn by experience the
cause of their attacks.
The extensive use of the automo-
bile, either for business or pleasure,
has proved a great boon to "horse
asthmatics." Gasoline power has rob-
odor emanating from the docile horse,
but in reality the invisible dander,
has spoiled an afternoon drive for
many a swain. All raptures. save one,
have f1ed-the attack of asthma
Horseback riding has been every
thing but joy riding for the handi-
capped So sensitive are some horse
asthmatics" that they may well serve
as guides to hasty inquirers as to the
location of the nearest livery stable.
One woman dreaded the season of
open windows. An attack of asthma
invariably interrupted her early
morning slumbers to announce the
passing of the milk wagon by the
house. Another woman, fully aware
of her sensitiveness, avoided contact
with horses as she avoided sin-with
religious care.
The purchase of an automobile was
hailed with a sigh and as a sign of
relief from asthma. During a motor
trip she was seized with a severe at
tack of asthma after having been fer
ried across stream to an island. In
fact, the distressing symptoms made
their first appearance while on the
ferry. Upon landing, the cause of the
unexpected attack was discovered,
when "old faithful of the United
States mail shambled by.
SENSITIVENESS to emanations
from dogs and cats is suspected
least of all. Household pets, the OBJ
jects of admiration and of protection.
are never associated. with anything
so unpleasant as an attack of asthma.
Usually the asthmatic will change
climates and enjoy freedom from
symptoms while away. These will
reappear upon the return home. Full
credit is given to the change of
locality for the relief, when essen
TALLY the absence of household pets
has been the chief factor.
One woman had an aversion to
cats, irrespective of color-and not
without good reason. Rubbing
shoulders" against my lady's dress
was evidence of the animals friend
liness, though feline; but it never
failed to provoke an attack of asthma
and of sneezing in the susceptible
person.
A young woman, eager for change,
had moved to the boarding house
next door. The more congenial en-.
vironment and a less nervous state
were held responsible for the abrupt
disappearance of asthma The new
boarding house, however. despite its
many astractionS possessed NO cat