Numerous factors can worsen asthma, such as cold, house dust (especially from mites, cockroaches, perfumes or powders, cats, rodents and dogs), pollens, chemicals, viral infections, sinusitis, reflux indigestion, and so on. Sometimes it is difficult to find the major irritant, even with special tests. Moreover, it is often even more difficult to remove or avoid the provocative cause(s). Fortunately, correctly adjusted dosages of aerosol or inhaled powdered medications and the occasional use of oral drugs will usually control asthma without significant side effects. The secret of good treatment includes:
(1) use medications regularly, even when feeling well
(2) increase dosages early in an exacerbation
(3) start to decrease regular medication dosing only after 6 months of freedom from an asthma attack.
Getting a separation from the dog may help, but the above plan of therapy may be preferable.