Types, Causes and Triggers of Asthma
Now-a-days, the illness can be classified into a number of different types as following:
1) Extrinsic asthma (Allergic)
2) Intrinsic asthma (Non allergic) .
Allergic asthma (Extrinsic asthma)
Allergic asthma is the more common type and represents about 90% of all cases of asthma. Allergic asthma typically develops in childhood and often, there is a family history of allergies. Allergen exposure is a significant trigger of exacerbations for many patients with this type of asthma.
Causes of Allergic Asthma
The causes of allergic asthma are wide ranging. The most frequent causative allergens are dust mites, pollens, molds, pet dander and even cockroach droppings. It is best to avoid the exposure to known allergens in order to prevent recurrence of the symptoms.
Other allergens include irritants in the air including smoke from cigarettes, wood fires and strong fumes like household sprays, paint, gasoline, perfumes and scented soaps. Although many are not actually allergic to these particles, they can aggravate the inflamed and sensitive airways. Smoking is a common trigger of asthma symptoms for all ages. Studies have shown a clear link between secondhand smoke and asthma, especially in young people.
Childhood Allergic Asthma
Most
childhood asthma is considered an allergic type of asthma. Young children are a particularly vulnerable for environmentally mediated asthma and the economic burden associated with this disease is substantial.
According to a recent literature review, childhood allergic rhinitis was associated with a 2–7-fold increased risk of asthma in preadolescence, adolescence or adult life.1 Both prenatal and postnatal passive smoking have been linked with respiratory symptoms and asthma in childhood. In utero exposure to heavy smoking was found to have a stronger effect than postnatal environmental tobacco exposure in the development of asthma in adolescence.2
Non allergic asthma (Intrinsic asthma)
Non allergic asthma or intrinsic asthma represents about 10% of all cases. It usually develops after the age of 30 years and is not typically associated with allergies. Women are more frequently involved and many cases seem to develop after a respiratory tract infection.
Triggers of non allergic asthma include perfume, smoke, cold air, cleaning fumes and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Non allergic asthma tends to be less responsive to treatment than Allergic asthma.
Also Read.....