Bronchial asthma is a disease that affects the airways. It is characterized by airway hyperactivity and constriction due to airway inflammation. This results in episodes of asthma attacks. During an asthma attack, a patient may experience coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and wheezing. The book "Nutrition and Diagnosis-Related Care," by Sylvia Escott-Stump, suggests that bronchial asthma falls into two categories: allergic and nonallergic. Mixed bronchial asthma also occurs.
Allergic Bronchial Asthma
Asthma attacks may be caused by allergens, substances that induce allergic reactions. Some individuals have asthma attacks when they are exposed to certain substances, including pollen, dust mites, mold, cockroach droppings and pet dander. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America reports that allergic asthma is the most common form of asthma. Allergic bronchial asthma impacts an individual's immune system.
This type of bronchial asthma is often seen in early childhood and during young adulthood. A family history of allergies is often seen in individuals with allergic bronchial asthma.
Nonallergic Bronchial Asthma
Nonallergic bronchial asthma does not involve the immune system and is not triggered by allergens. Instead, it is caused by factors such as viral infections, air pollutants, strong odors, certain medications, stress, anxiety, exercise, cold air, dry air, hyperventilation and other irritants. Although nonallergic bronchial asthma is not caused by an allergic reaction, its symptoms are similar to those in allergic bronchial asthma, as stated by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
Nonallergic bronchial asthma mainly occurs in childhood and after an individual is 30 years of age. A family history of allergies is rarely seen in individuals with nonallergic bronchial asthma. Individuals with this type of asthma frequently experience asthma symptoms with drugs like aspirin.
Mixed Bronchial Asthma
According to "Differential Diagnosis In Internal Medicine: From Symptom to Diagnosis," by Walter Siegenthaler, mixed bronchial asthma is a common form of asthma, and is triggered by both allergic and nonallergic substances and conditions.
References
- "Nutrition and Diagnosis-Related Care"; Sylvia Escott-Stump; 2008
- "Differential Diagnosis In Internal Medicine: From Symptom To Diagnosis"; Walter Siegenthaler; 2007
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Non-Allergic Asthma
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America : Allergic Asthma
- Medline Plus: Asthma
