Asthma is a disease of the upper respiratory system. No matter what triggers it, the results and symptoms are generally the same. The membranes of the bronchial tubes become inflamed and restrict the airway. When the inflammation is severe, it causes muscle spasms. Even if an episode is mild, it can escalate at any time. Children are especially susceptible to having severe asthma attacks.
Allergy Induced Asthma
The majority of asthma sufferers have allergy-induced asthma. Chemicals, smoke, perfumes, pollen and dust are all triggers of allergy-induced asthma. Knowing the allergens that trigger allergic asthma and avoiding them when possible will limit allergic attacks.
Intrinsic Asthma
Intrinsic asthma is asthma that is not triggered by an allergen. This form of asthma usually starts after the age of 40 and does not respond well to conventional asthma treatments. Cleaning agents, cold air and upper respiratory viruses or infections are known culprits for this type of asthma.
Sleep Induced Asthma
Sleep-induced asthma occurs when the patient is sleeping. It doesn't have to be at night, though the most prominent time for attacks is between midnight and 4 a.m. It can be triggered by allergens or changes in the room temperature.
Exercise Induced Asthma
Exercise-induced asthma occurs after intense periods of overexertion or stimulation. Most people with this form of asthma know when to start cooling down before the onset of an attack is triggered. Exercising in cold, dry air will result in the loss of heat in the lungs and can trigger an attack.
Emotional Asthma
Emotional asthma is often triggered by periods of intense stress or traumatic experiences. Children and teenagers are often affected by this form of asthma. Sometimes the anxiety and stress of an attack will cause it to become more severe. Keeping the sufferer relaxed and occupied will ease some of the symptoms.
References
- Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Phyllis Balch, 2006
- Types of Asthma
