The 5 Basic Asthma Types
Asthma has many faces. People of all ages, all over the globe suffer from asthma. Many people believe that an asthma attack is only induced by genetic factors. While genetics do play a role, it is not the only cause of asthma. There are several asthma types. These asthma types can affect both children and adults. It is crucial to understand the various asthma types to help prevent an asthma attack.
So what are the different asthma types? There are five basic types of asthma which include: allergic asthma, non-allergic asthma, occupational asthma, exercise induced asthma, and additive induced asthma. Let’s take a look at each type of asthma in more detail.
Asthma Type #1: Allergic asthma…
This type of asthma is very common. An asthma attack is precipitated by allergens that are inhaled. Common allergens include: pet dander, mold spores, dust mites, fungus, and pollen. It is very common for a person that has this type of asthma to also have allergies. They may find pollen season devastating as they experience rhinitis, bronchitis, and asthma attacks in higher frequency during this time.
Not sure if you have allergies, asthma, or both? You can undergo allergy testing with your doctor to determine the cause of your asthma attacks. With allergy testing you can pinpoint which allergens to avoid.
Asthma Type #2: Non-allergic asthma…
The causes behind asthma attacks in this asthma type include irritants such as perfumes, cleaners, soaps, glue, fumes from stoves, environmental pollution, and cigarette smoke. Irritants are not the only culprits in this type of asthma. Having a cold, flu, sinusitis, and even GERD can trigger an asthma attack. Why? These conditions constrict your airways which can lead to an asthma attack.
Asthma Type #3: Occupational asthma…
This asthma type is a due to an exposure to certain chemicals, fumes, gases, dust, metals, vapors, and insecticides where people work. For example, an improperly ventilated factory can trap in harmful vapors that inflame your airways. Another example, are coal miners who have worked in poorly ventilated mines for years ingesting harmful coal dust.
Asthma Type #4: Exercise induced asthma…
Exercise induced asthma attacks most often occur when exercising in cold weather. Your lungs have to work harder to inhale and exhale cold air. Thus the combination of cold air and increased impact on your lungs from exercise packs a powerful punch on your breathing and airways.
Asthma Type #5: Aspirin induced asthma…
It has been found that aspirin can exacerbate asthmatic symptoms and lead to an asthma attack. Similar to aspirin are the effects of sulfites. Sulfites are preservatives in wine, beer, and you can also find them added to processed food. Make sure to check the labels on foods you eat for these food additives. These sulfites can intensify asthma symptoms.
These are the five main types of asthma. You may suffer from one or more of these categories. It is important to understand the facets of each type of asthma so you can avoid the triggers and allergens that could lead to a painful asthma attack.
