Types of Asthma

Which Type of Asthma do You Have?

Many people believe that asthma is just asthma and that there is only one kind. However, there are actually two types of asthma, which include extrinsic and intrinsic. Most people have the extrinsic type of asthma, although there is a percentage of individuals that have the other type. Regardless, asthma is really a personal disease because it is so different in each individual. There are many different triggers and different triggers affect asthma sufferers differently.

Many times asthma is a disease that begins in childhood between the ages of two and six, although it can begin earlier or later. Many children in this age range with asthma are affected by allergens like smoke, colds, respiratory tract infections, dust mites, and more. Sometimes asthma disappears during the teen years only to return again when the individual is an adult. However, asthma can begin in the adult year and women are most likely to develop asthma at this point. Usually, a respiratory tract infection leads to the development of asthma. The two types of asthma are extrinsic and intrinsic.

Extrinsic asthma makes up 90% of the cases and is allergic asthma. Many times this type of asthma has a childhood onset. Many times there is a history of allergies or even eczema or hay fever. Approximately 80% of children with asthma have at least one allergy if not more. Early adulthood frequently sees a respite from asthma symptoms but in the majority of cases the asthma will reappear later.

Then, there is intrinsic asthma. This type of asthma usually has an onset during adulthood, or after age 30. Allergies are not typically related to this type of asthma, which makes treatment for this type of asthma more difficult. Chronic year round symptoms mark this type of asthma. Of all the asthma cases only 10% or so are intrinsic.

Asthma symptoms are varied and really depend on the person affected with the disease. In addition, these symptoms can also appear to be symptoms of something else making the diagnosis of asthma difficult. As a result, a doctor’s care is very important in helping determine whether the symptoms are asthma related or have to do with another health problem.

The most common symptoms associated with asthma are wheezing, chest tightness, coughing, and shortness of breath. If you have any of these symptoms, especially after exercise or at night, then you will want to talk with your doctor.

Asthma is a serious condition and it should not be taken lightly. The sooner you begin a treatment program the faster you will have control of the disease and can live a more fulfilling life.

Please click on the following links for more detailed articles.

Asthma Symptoms

Asthma Types and Classifications