"Asthma doesn't seem to bother me any more unless I'm around cigars or dogs. The thing that would bother me most would be a dog smoking a cigar"

In this quote, Steve Allen utilizes humor to resolve his experiences with asthma and its triggers, such as cigars and dogs. By doing so, he highlights the typically unforeseeable and in some cases paradoxical nature of what can worsen asthma symptoms. The quote itself operates on 2 levels: the literal and the amusing.

On a literal level, Allen points out that his asthma is not a consistent concern and only flares in particular scenarios-- namely, when he is around stogies or pet dogs. Both of these components are popular irritants for individuals with respiratory conditions. Cigars include smoke and various chemicals that can set off asthma attacks, while pets can shed dander, which is a typical allergen. For that reason, Allen utilizes these examples to accentuate familiar and relatable asthma activates.

On an amusing level, Steve Allen integrates the 2 triggers into an exaggerated situation that is both imaginative and amusing-- picturing a pet cigarette smoking a stogie. This absurd mix elevates the humor by taking a mundane health concern and playfully transforming it into something surreal and unexpected. The juxtaposition of these 2 triggers in such an incongruous way functions as the punchline of the quote. The image of a dog, normally viewed as a precious, innocent family pet, taking part in the human activity of smoking a cigar, an unhealthy habit, develops an unexpected and funny visual.

Moreover, Allen's quote shows how humor can work as a coping system when handling persistent conditions like asthma. By concentrating on the absurdity rather than the inconvenience, he provides an easy going point of view, suggesting that laughter can use relief in minutes when one's health issues might otherwise be discouraging or limiting.

In sum, through humor, Allen effectively communicates his experiences with asthma in a manner that resonates with both individuals knowledgeable about the condition and those who value clever wit. His quote captures the value of finding humor in the peculiarities and obstacles of life.