The symptoms of non-allergic asthma may be the same as allergic asthma, but this type of asthma is not caused by allergies. Instead, triggers of non-allergic asthma include exercise, respiratory infections like cold or flu, weather, strong emotions, and environmental irritants like smoke, perfumes or gasoline. According to a July 2002 report in the journal Allergy, people with non-allergic asthma have negative skin prick or allergy tests, develop the symptoms later in life, and have more severe flare-ups. But as with allergic asthma, treatment for non-allergic asthma involves reducing airway inflammation and controlling the symptoms.
Rescue Medications
Rescue medications quickly relieve symptoms of asthma such as wheezing and coughing, and treat flare-ups related to non-allergic asthma. They work by opening the airways and relaxing the muscles surrounding them so the air can flow better. Common types of fast-acting medications include bronchodilators, such as the short-acting beta-agonist (SABAs) albuterol, and oral corticosteroids such as prednisone. SABAs are also used to prevent non-allergic asthma caused by exercise. The effect of rescue medications do not last and they do not treat the underlying causes of inflammation. SABAs may make asthma worst if they are used daily or more than three times in a day.
Inhaled Cortiosteroids
When taken on a regular basis, long-term medications such as inhaled corticosteroids can treat anti-inflammatory causes of non-allergic asthma. Controller medicines make the airways less sensitive, prevent swelling of the airways and decrease the amount of mucus inside the lungs. Common inhaled corticosteroids include the brand-name products Flovent, Pulmicort Flexhaler, Asmanex and Qvar. Corticosteroids may cause mouth and throat irritation and oral yeast infection.
Mast Cell Stabilizers
Mast cell stabilizers such as cromolyn sodium can prevent and treat asthma triggered by exercise. They prevent the airways from releasing anti-inflammatory chemicals. Mast cells stabilizers are considered safe and must be taken regularly even after symptoms are gone.
