Changes

Also known as '''''Feline Allergic Bronchitis — Feline Bronchial Disease — Feline Bronchitis Complex'''''

Also known as '''''Feline Allergic Bronchitis — Feline Bronchial Disease — Feline Bronchitis Complex'''''

==Description==

==Introduction==

Feline asthma is an '''allergic airway disease''' that bears many similarities with asthma in humans and with [[Recurrent Airway Obstruction|recurrent airway obstruction]] (RAO) in horses.  Affected animals become allergic to allergens present in their immediate environment, including '''house dust mites and fungal spores''' and produce [[IgE]] antibodies against these molecules.  When later exposed to the same allergens, asthmatic cats suffer a form of '''type I hypersensitivity''' response localised in the bronchi and bronchioles and resulting in constriction of the airways.

Feline asthma is an '''allergic airway disease''' that bears many similarities with asthma in humans and with [[Recurrent Airway Obstruction|recurrent airway obstruction]] (RAO) in horses.  Affected animals become allergic to allergens present in their immediate environment, including '''house dust mites and fungal spores''' and produce [[IgE]] antibodies against these molecules.  When later exposed to the same allergens, asthmatic cats suffer a form of [[Type I Hypersensitivity|'''type I hypersensitivity''']] response localised in the bronchi and bronchioles and resulting in constriction of the airways.

'''Extrinsic and intrinsic''' forms of the disease exist. The extrinsic form describes the formation of exudate in the airways and thickened airway walls. The intrinsic form describes the increased propensity for the bronchial smooth muscle to contract and lead to airway constriction.

'''Extrinsic and intrinsic''' forms of the disease exist. The extrinsic form describes the formation of exudate in the airways and thickened airway walls. The intrinsic form describes the increased propensity for the bronchial smooth muscle to contract and lead to airway constriction.

Coughing may be '''paroxysmal''' and vary in intensity. '''Vomiting or retching''' may occur following the coughing. Some clients may complain that their cat is vomiting rather than coughing.

Coughing may be '''paroxysmal''' and vary in intensity. '''Vomiting or retching''' may occur following the coughing. Some clients may complain that their cat is vomiting rather than coughing.

Respiratory distress can vary from '''tachypnoea to severe dyspnoea''' with expiratory wheezing.

Respiratory distress can vary from '''tachypnoea to severe [[Dyspnoea - Cat|dyspnoea]]''' with expiratory wheezing.

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==