Asthma is a common chronic respiratory condition which causes difficulty in breathing. The disease is characterized by variable and recurring symptoms like reversible airflow obstruction, inflammation, narrows the airways and produces mucus. The symptoms include difficulty in breathing difficult and trigger coughing, a whistling sound (wheezing) when you breathe out and shortness of breath. Allergic reactions, pollutants and infection also trigger an asthma attack. Environmental factors, genetic conditions are responsible for asthmatic attack. There are many different types of asthma. Asthma is diagnosed by spirometer. Bronchial asthma is the most common type of asthma which affects the bronchi of the lungs. Other specific types of asthma include
Extrinsic Asthma or Allergic asthma: Allergens trigger this type of asthma. Pollen dust, allergens, mold, food, animals like cat, dog spreads this type of asthma.
Intrinsic Asthma or nonallergic asthma: Irritants in air which are not related to allergies trigger this type of asthma. The causative agents of asthma include burning wood, smoking, virus, perfumes, air fresheners,cleaning products.
Occupational asthma: It is induced by triggers at workplace. Chemicals, proteins, rubber latex, dyes, fumes, wood working,textiles are causative agents of this type of asthma.
Exercise induced bronchoconstriction: It is induced in people within few minutes of starting exercise and up to 10-15 minutes after physical activity.
Aspirin-induced asthma: It is triggered by taking asprin or any other NSAID (nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as naproxen, ibuprofen. It is also called as aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease.
Nocturnal asthma: Body's natural sleep cycle triggers this type of asthma. Heart burn, dust mites also triggers this type of asthma. Symptoms worsen during night.Cough-variant asthma: It is characterized by a persistent dry cough, shortness of breath and wheezing.
Adult onset asthma and childhood asthma are the additional forms of asthma.
