Asthma Causes And Types

Recognising asthma causes and types. Asthma attacks come on when the air passages are constricted, which could be due to several things including reactions to :

Inhaler

Allergens
Air impurities
Cigarette smoke
Dust
Perfume
Pollen
Food
Strenuous activities
Stress or anxiety
Changes in weather conditions

Mucus in the airways is not necessarily a bad thing, as it can actually help ensure there is a smooth flow of air into the lungs, but with an attack of asthma, the mucus increases and it clogs the air passage. As long as the air passage is clogged, the asthma attack will persist. You need to consult a doctor right away so that you can receive appropriate medical attention.

If left untreated, it can lead to infection. Attacks can last for a couple of minutes but more severe attacks may last for hours or even days. There can be periods of respite, where none of the symptoms are experienced, but a full-blown attack will soon return if no proper medication is given.

Types Of Asthma

There are many causes and many forms of asthma, which can usually be categorised under two different types – Extrinsic and Intrinsic.

Extrinsic Asthma is mainly associated with allergies, and most asthmatic sufferers belong to the extrinsic asthma type. Children in particular are very susceptible to certain allergies and are more likely to develop extrinsic asthma, especially if they suffer from eczema or hay fever, but as they grow older, the allergies and the attacks usually disappear completely.

Intrinsic asthma is not associated with childhood allergies, it’s most common among women in their late 20s or early 30s. This type of asthma is perennial and chronic, and you should consult a doctor to determine if you have intrinsic asthma. The doctor can give you something to relieve the condition, but only for short-term speedy relief, to prevent the attacks from becoming worse. Some doctors prescribe medication for asthma especially if the attacks are allergy-induced. Proper medication ensures that the immune system and the body will not react to allergens.

Testing For Asthma

Your doctor may be able to determine the cause by your medical records or your family history, or you can expect to have chest x-rays, blood and allergy tests, and lung evaluation tests with Peak Flow Monitoring and Spirometry, to establish how well the lungs fill up and utilise air.

It is always advisable to talk to your doctor immediately about the asthma symptoms you’re experiencing. Don’t wait until you have a severe attack.