Types of Asthma

Asthma is commonly referred to as a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways categorized by wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. Nevertheless, recent developments in understanding of asthma have helped professionals define specific types of asthma. Having a good knowledge of different types of asthma will help you seek the most effective treatment.

ALLERGIES AND ASTHMA                                                                                  

Allergies and asthma are often regarded as “sisters from the same mother.” Rhinitis (called hay fever) is swelling of the nose’ inside line and widely considered as the most common chronic allergic disease. The symptoms include runny nose, ongoing sneezing, swollen nasal passages, excess mucus, weepy eyes, and a scratchy throat. Many times allergic rhinitis causes asthma. Prescribed medication from your doctor can control the cough and other asthma symptoms.

ASTHMA DUE TO EXERCISE

This type of asthma is triggered by exercise or physical exertion. Many people experience asthmatic symptoms during exercise, which includes world-class athletes. After 5-20 min of strenuous exercise, patients feel difficult to catch their breath. You may have warning signs of an asthma attack while wheezing and coughing. Your doctor can prescribe you an asthma inhaler before exercise to prevent these uncomfortable asthma symptoms.

COUGH-VARIANT ASTHMA

Severe coughing is the predominant cause for cough-variant asthma. Other symptoms include postnasal drip, chronic rhinitis, sinusitis, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. This type of asthma is often goes under diagnosed and undertreated. For persistent cough, contact an experienced doctor. Your doctor might well go in for some extra tests like lung function test before starting an asthma diagnosis.

OCCUPATIONAL ASTHMA

It is a rare type of asthma and usually triggers from workplace. The effect would be difficulty in breathing and asthma symptoms on job days. The symptoms include runny nose, congestion, eye irritation and cough. The typical asthma wheezing is absent. People associated with farming, animal breeding, hairdressing, nursing, woodworking may suffer from occupational asthma.

NOCTURNAL ASTHMA

Nighttime asthma is the most common of all asthma types. Your asthma symptoms of wheezing, cough, and trouble breathing are dangerous in the night as this type of asthma is powerfully influenced by the sleep-wake cycle. Studies show most deaths related to asthma occur in the night. This happens mainly because of an increased exposure to allergens. The best way to treat nocturnal asthma is to closely monitor the symptoms and consult the doctor as soon as possible.