How to Recognize the Types of Asthma

Historically, asthma was classified into 1 of 2 types: extrinsic asthma and intrinsic asthma. However, doctors have recently redefined the catalogue of asthma types to include allergic asthma, intrinsic asthma, exercise-induced asthma, nocturnal asthma, occupational asthma and steroid-resistant asthma. In addition, the severity of the asthma symptoms are differentiated according to 4 classifications: mild intermittent, mild persistent, moderate persistent and severe persistent.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Physician

Differentiate the Types of Asthma

1. Talk to your doctor about allergic asthma. About 90 percent of all asthma patients suffer from this type of asthma. Allergic asthma is diagnosed when specific allergens trigger asthma attacks. Usually, the allergen that causes asthma attacks is easily identifiable and avoidable.

2. Recognize that people aged 40 years and up are at risk of developing intrinsic asthma. This type of asthma usually does not affect children, as it is not caused by allergies. Usually, it is brought on by frequent inhalation of irritating chemicals, such as perfumes, smoke and cleaning products. It can be more difficult to treat, so any symptoms should be brought to the immediate attention of your physician to prevent worsening of the condition.

3. Monitor coughing fits brought on by heavy exercise. They can be a sign that you have exercise-induced asthma. Working out can cause your lungs to lose vital heat and moisture. This can lead to breathing difficulties and asthmatic attacks.

4. See a physician if you or your child experiences asthma symptoms during the night, peaking at about 4:00 in the morning. Allergens in the bedroom, lowered room temperature and gastroesophageal reflux disorder can all cause what is known as nocturnal or sleep-related asthma.

5. Realize that asthma can be triggered by prolonged exposure to industrial chemicals or allergens. Dust and chemical fumes are the 2 most frequently-occurring culprits behind the onset of what is now called "occupational asthma."

6. Use your asthma medication only as directed. If you don't, you risk developing a serious condition known as steroid-resistant asthma. This occurs when the overuse of asthma medications causes the condition to stop responding to treatment. Medical intervention may be necessary in the event of a severe attack, because it will not be treatable by usual means.

Classify Asthma According to Severity

7. Recognize that minor symptoms that occur no more than twice a week and two nights per month are classified as "mild intermittent" asthma. Of the types and classifications of the disease, this is the least problematic for sufferers.

8. Understand that you have what is called "mild persistent" asthma if you suffer from symptoms or attacks more frequently than twice per week, but never more than once within a single day.

9. Know that "moderate persistent" asthma is defined as asthma that occurs once a day and at least once a week at night.

10. Recognize that asthma, in its most problematic form, is known as "severe persistent." Severe persistent asthma is characterized by frequent symptoms throughout the day and night. It must be carefully managed to prevent complications.

Tips & Warnings

• All asthma symptoms should be discussed with a doctor immediately to prevent the condition from worsening. Asthma is reversible if promptly and properly treated. However, serious complications, sometimes of a life-threatening nature, can result from asthma that is left unchecked or improperly managed.

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