When a person develops asthma it is important to know what type of asthma he has. Although asthma is one particular disease, it can be classified in to 6 different types. Knowing the type of asthma you have will also determine the medication that is best suited for you.
Here are the Different Types of Asthma :
Allergic Asthma
A large percentage of asthmatics have allergic asthma. Sufferers usually react to triggers called allergens. Since allergens are everywhere it is important that patients are aware of their triggers and try to avoid them.
Most childhood asthma are known to be allergic asthma. Asthma acounts to the most number of absemces in school. Fortunately, most kids outgrow their asthma and symptoms becomes less and less when thy're older.
Children that are exposed to cigarette smoke have risks of developing asthma and smoking while pregnant also increases the childs risk of having asthma when they're born.
Known Allergens :
· Animal Dander
· Molds
· Pollen
· Dustmites
· Food (peanuts, Fish, Soy etc...)
· Cockroaches
· Fungi
· Fule (Diesel, Kerosene)
Exercise - Induced Asthma
Exercise induced asthma can affect anyone at any age. Most people that have a family history of asthma and have allergies may experience exercise-induced asthma. The only symptom that you'll have is frequent coughing during exercise. You may also experience symptoms in cold and dry conditions.
Exercise-induced asthma can be easily prevented. If you're experiencing symptoms consult your doctor first and ask him about any medication that you can take before exercising. Of course, tiring yourself too much will be a no-no. Take frequent breaks when exercising in order to avoid attacks.
Intrinsic Asthma
A type of asthma wherein allergies do not play a role. Adults are more prone to this type of asthma. The causes of intrinsic asthma include irritants that affects the lungs.
Known Irritants :
· Air Pollution
· Drugs (NSAIDS)
· Cold Air/Weather Chnages
· Exercise
· Cigarettes
· Scented Products
· GERD
· Emotions (Crying, Laughing)
· Paint, Deodorant
· Night time
Intrinsic asthma is more difficult to treat than allergic asthma so adults need to be extra careful. A good immune system does not come with age, it comes with proper care and right treatment of the body. Don't be confident that you wont get asthma just because your old enough
Occupational Asthma
A type of asthma wherein the trigger is at the work place. A person with an occupational asthma will exhibit more symptoms at work than at home. Triggers could be fumes, paint, dust or other particles present in the office. Field workers or construction workers are at risk of occupational asthma since they are exposed to dust and other elements.
Nocturnal Asthma
Around 75% percents of asthmatics have nocturnal asthma. This is a type of asthma wherein symptoms are worse around 12am-4am. Attacks could be triggered by allergens in the bedding, a sudden change in temperature or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux). Although it's termed nocturntal, symptoms can show up anytime a person sleeps, even if it's daytime.
Cough-Variant Asthma
An asthma with no other sign than an unproductive cough that has lasted longer than six weeks. Also called chronic cough. A person may start getting cough-variant asthma after being exposed to certain allergens.
Sources http://singularastma.org