The feline condition was named “asthma” due to the clinical features shared with the human disease. As of this time, it appears that all the diagnostic criteria needed to make the asthma diagnosis in humans are shared by cats, yet we are still working out the mechanics of this syndrome in the cat and have a great deal to learn. For example, in humans we know that while actual symptoms of asthma occur in episodes, the airways of the lung are diseased all the time. We do not know yet if feline airways are also diseased all the time or if the actual airway structural changes occur only when there are clinical signs of distress.
Feline asthma (also known as feline bronchial disease, allergic bronchitis, bronchitis, allergic airway disease and allergic asthma) is similar to human asthma. An allergic reaction causes spasms in the bronchi, prompting airway inflammation and swelling. This restricts airflow, causing respiratory distress, which can become life threatening in a matter of minutes.
The symptoms of asthma can mimic other diseases, such as heartworm, pneumonia and congestive heart failure. A diagnosis is reached by using chest x-rays, a complete blood count, a feline heartworm test, and a technique to sample cells from the lower airways (transtracheal wash, bronchial wash, or bronchoalveolar lavage). Chest x-rays may be normal in some cats with asthma, while others will have signs of bronchial inflammation, collapse of the right middle lung lobe, and over inflation of the lungs.
There appear to be several different factors that may be involved in the development of feline asthma. Studies are currently being done to help further pinpoint the exact cause. It is felt that cats with feline asthma have a chronic inflammation of the tissues that line the bronchial walls in the lungs. The tissues may hyperreact to certain allergens, viruses, or infections, causing inflammation and increased mucous secretion. The increase in inflammation and secretions causes a decrease in the size of the airways and the symptoms worsen as a result.
The goal of treatment is to control secretions, improve airflow, and reduce the symptoms. Cats with mild disease and only occasional symptoms are often treated with weight reduction, avoidance of allergens, and reducing the exposure to substances that may exacerbate the condition (such as cigarette smoke).
The duration of necessary treatment is extremely variable. Some cats may require a lifetime of therapy, while other cats will require only intermittent therapy. The prognosis for cats with bronchitis is variable. If an underlying infectious disease or allergen can be eliminated, and permanent damage has not occurred, the prognosis is excellent.
Bronchoalveolar Lavage is an extremely useful procedure and in itself, perfectly safe. BAL, as it is called, is performed by inserting an endotracheal tube into the trachea under general anesthesia, and then fluids present in the airways of the lungs are extracted through this tube for examination.
Steroids (inhaler form). Same as above, they reduce inflammation. There is a relatively new inhaler system on the market called Aero Kat, Flovent is the most commonly used inhalant steroid. Inhaled steroids generally don't get into the system as much as oral steroids, thus side effects are greatly reduced.
Aside from asthma, the BAL may diagnose other conditions of the lungs. In a study done in Barcelona of 26 cats, two were found to have Toxoplasma gondii cysts, two showed evidence of carcinoma, and 18 were determined to be related to asthma or infectious bronchitis.
