Asthma is a disease of the bronchial tubes, which are also referred to as the airways. In asthma, the airways become narrow due to swelling, inflammation and the accumulation of mucus. The result of this narrowing is wheezing or difficulty breathing. Other symptoms of asthma are chest tightness, shortness of breath and coughing. Asthma is classified based on the cause.
Exercise-Induced Asthma
When asthma symptoms are precipitated by exercise, it is called exercise-induced asthma. According to "Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice," asthma symptoms may occur after 5 to 20 minutes of exercise. Activities that involve continuous play, such as basketball, often lead to exercise-induced asthma. This type of asthma is triggered by the rapid breathing and airway cooling that occur during exercise.
Aspirin-Induced Asthma
The University of Minnesota Childrens Hospital describes aspirin-induced asthma as asthma that occurs when a person takes aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
Occupational Asthma
Occupational asthma, as the name implies, is related to a person's work environment. This type of asthma involves inhaling substances, such as fumes, gases or dust, at the work place, which causes symptoms of asthma. Individuals who suffer from occupational asthma often notice that they experience asthma symptoms while they are on the job but feel better when they leave.
Nocturnal Asthma
Nocturnal asthma refers to a worsening of asthma symptoms at night. According to National Jewish Health, asthma symptoms may occur at night due to the presence of allergens in the bedroom, chronic sinus problems, gastroesophageal reflux or cooling of the airways. This type of asthma may deprive individuals of sleep.
Cough-Variant Asthma
The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology suggests that cough-variant asthma is a type of asthma characterized by chronic, persistent coughing that occurs without shortness of breath or wheezing.
Allergic Asthma
Allergic asthma is caused by inhalation of substances called allergens. Examples of allergens that trigger asthma symptoms are airborne pollens, molds, animal dander, dust mites and cockroach droppings.
Non-Allergic Asthma
Non-allergic asthma is a type of asthma that is caused by factors other than allergens. According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, it can be caused by strong odors or sprays, viral infections and air pollutants such as smoke.
References
- "Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice"; Sandra M. Nettina ANP-BC.; 2009.
- The University of Minnesota Childrens Hospital: Aspirin-Induced Asthma
- National Jewish Health: Asthma: Types
- American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology: Types of Asthma
- American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology: Asthma Facts
