Asthma is a disease that causes inflammation of the bronchial tubes resulting in respiratory problems. In order to have a better understanding of the treatment options of asthma it is crucial to have a better understanding of the different types of asthma.

1. Types of Asthma
Asthma is a disease that causes inflammation of the bronchial tubes resulting in respiratory problems. In
order to have a better understanding of the treatment options of asthma it is crucial to have a better
understanding of the different types of asthma. Different types of asthma can be classified into two
broad groups- extrinsic or allergic version and intrinsic or the non-allergic version. However it must be
remembered that in spite of the classification patient may experience similar symptoms but it is
important to classify the condition so as to diagnose the symptoms properly.
Extrinsic Asthma: This type of asthma is usually
triggered by allergens and so it is also known as
allergic asthma. In extrinsic asthma the immune
system of the human body, responsible for
protecting, reacts violently to certain foreign
substances. The foreign substances may be organic in
nature are usually harmless to normal people. These
substances are known as allergens and can include
pollens, dust, dander, dust mites and other things.
The body reacts to these substances and produces
antibodies like histamine which lead to inflammation narrowing of the airways and causes symptoms
such as hay fever, rhinitis and asthma.
Extrinsic asthma is generally noticed in children; in fact almost 90% of asthma experienced during
childhood is due to allergens. Children who have a family history of asthma are more likely to experience
extrinsic asthma. As there is no permanent cure for extrinsic asthma the best way to keep asthma under
control is to avoid coming in contact with the allergens. Using common asthma products such as anti
allergy mattress protector, bed sheets and HEPA filter vacuum cleaners will minimize exposure common
to allergens.
Intrinsic asthma: The cause of intrinsic asthma is unknown and so
treating it is very hard. Unlike extrinsic asthma, allergens do not
bring about episodes of asthma in this case rather the individuals
physical system becomes sensitive and reacts to certain
environmental factors. Intrinsic asthma is caused by extreme
emotional changes like laughing, crying, getting angry or getting
depressed or stressed. Furthermore coming in contact with chemical
agents, cigarette smoke, perfume, medicines like aspirin and
paracetamol, development of chest infection, exercise, cold air and
some food preservatives can trigger intrinsic asthma. In fact exercise
induced asthma (EIA) is a subtype of intrinsic asthma, where asthma
symptoms flare up after exercise.

2. Before you start treating your asthma it is best to know the type of asthma you are suffering from. In
most cases it is seen that people suffer from both these types where their symptoms flare up due to
allergens as well as changes in environmental conditions. As asthma doesn’t have any permanent cure it
become very important that you understand your symptoms, take necessary precautions to prevent
them and always consult with your doctor.