Different Types Of Asthma

Asthma is a lung disease. It affects your airways. Airways are breathing “tubes” inside your lungs. When you have asthma the airways swell and muscles around the airways tighten.

If you have asthma, you may often feel fine. But asthma is still there, even if you dont have symptoms. A quick-relief inhaler treats symptoms. It doesnt control the disease, though. Your doctor may give you a drug to help prevent symptoms.

Millions of people in the US have asthma. But you dont have to let asthma stop you from doing the things you like.

Asthma Attack Symptoms
Wheezing
Chest tightness
Coughing
Shortness of breath
Feeling very tired or weak when you exercise

There are different types of asthma based on the “triggers” that cause the asthma symptoms or attacks. They include

Allergic asthma. This type of asthma is triggered by an allergic reaction. People with this type of asthma often have a personal and/or family history of allergies.

Seasonal asthma is a form of allergic asthma which can be triggered by trees or grasses that release pollen into the air. For example, some people find their asthma is worse in the spring when there are more plants in bloom. Others find their asthma is worse in late summer or early fall when ragweed is more likely to cause problems.

Nonallergic asthma. Your asthma attacks may have nothing to do with allergies. But, like any person with asthma, your attacks may be triggered or made worse by one or more nonallergic asthma triggers. These can include things in the air you breathe. Infections, like the common cold, may also cause symptoms. Exercise, cold air, temperature changes, and even heartburn may be triggers.

Exercise-induced asthma. This type of asthma refers to asthma symptoms that are triggered by exercise or physical activity.

Nocturnal asthma. This refers to nighttime asthma symptoms that seem worse in the middle of the night, often between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. Things that can cause asthma symptoms to get worse at night may include sinus infections.

Asthma in pregnancy. Pregnant women with asthma may have more pregnancy-related problems. Many women find their asthma is worse during pregnancy.

Work-related asthma. This refers to asthma caused by exposure to a
substance at work.

Whatever type of asthma you may have, the right treatment can help keep it under control. No matter what symptoms you get, you can prevent most asthma attacks. Work with your doctor to learn how to avoid your triggers and know which treatments to use and when.