Discovering Different Types Of Asthma …. Which ONE Are You?

Asthma classification really does matter! Different asthma types have different treatments. Although most people think all types are the same, each person has a different cause and different reactions.

Although asthma has become one of world's most common health problems, it still remains a mystery. It's a serious condition that causes certain people to struggle for breath. When a person reacts to allergens and experiences problems in breathing, it can be a dangerous situation.

But if you know what is causing your pain, you can have better control over it.

The main asthma types are classified according to age groups and how it affects the body:

Asthma Type #1: Childhood 

This type of breathing problem happens to young children all over the world. They may also experience other allergy problems such as skin rashes and hay fever.  Common causes are infections, food preservatives, and cold atmosphere. Asthma, which is a chronic breathing problem, can affect the lungs before they have a chance to function properly. 

 If this should happen, your child may experience the classic symptoms such as wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath.

Asthma Classification Type #2: Adult Onset 

Adult onset asthma usually occurs after the age of 20. It is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and swelling in the bronchial tubes of the lungs in older individuals. It is a combination of complex interaction of environmental and genetic factors that triggers the attacks.

The main difference between adult and childhood asthma is that adult onset asthma is very inconsistent and more frequently triggered by a viral infection or cold. Whether it is by genetics or environment, some people become sensitive to allergens or everyday chemicals. The end result is that they develop respiratory problems

Asthma Type #3: Exercise-Induced 

Sports asthma, also known as exercise-induced asthma, occurs during or after an exhausting physical activity. A person with this type of asthma will start to wheeze or cough during a strenuous activity or a few minutes after starting.  Experts believe that the reason that this occurs is because the lungs overreact to the temperature change within the body. 

Many people who have asthma are affected by exercise. Any person who suffer with wheezing may be affected any sport that requires continuous, strenuous movement. This type of activity introduces cold, dry air directly into the body and stresses the lungs.

Asthma Type #4: Occupational 

Another asthma type is occupational asthma, which happens after exposure to triggers at the work place. These include polluted air, smoke, chemicals, dust and extreme humidity. These allergens are usually confined to the jobsite and trigger an asthma attack when you go to work. The telling sign is that the symptoms disappear after you leave the workplace. 

Whichever allergen causes you grief, you will need to pinpoint the exact substance that triggers a reaction so that you can avoid it.

Asthma Type #5: Seasonal Or Allergy-Induced  

Seasonal asthma is completely environmental and is triggered by the changes of the four seasons. It is the different flowers, pollen, and temperature in the air that causes a bad reaction. For example, some people with asthma have worse symptoms during the fall and winter season. 

The causes of this type of asthma are the allergens that are present around the home. Dust and animal dander which are present in sheets can overstimulate the lungs and set off a chain reaction. A visit to an allergist can help you with this problem.

Asthma Type #6: Pregnancy 

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects the airways of the lungs of expecting women and consequently breathing becomes more difficult.  Symptoms include wheezing, chronic coughing, and shortness of breath that increase with pregnancy. 

Women who managed their symptoms and already have asthma action plans usually do not need additional tests or treatments. 

Asthma Type #7: Surgery 

Breathing might be an issue if a surgical procedure leads to bronchial spasms, constriction, or a bad reaction. Surgery asthma is a type of asthma that occurs after a medical or surgical procedure and involves wheezing or shortness of breath after new medication.  

Someone with surgery asthma may notice the symptoms when he or she wakes up from anesthesia with difficulty breathing. This can gradually get worse throughout the recovery process. A peak flow meter which measures lung function can tell if you are suffering from it.

As you learn more about asthma classifications, you will know what to expect.  This will help you to better manage asthma symptoms.  In controlling asthma, you should always remember that education is the key to controlling your symptoms. Once you understand how asthma is classified, you can learn more about the one that describes your situation.

More Information
On The Safest Asthma Treatments

• The Ultimate Asthma Management Guide – free ebook
• What Is Asthma?
• Do I Have Asthma?
• The Pathophysiology Of Asthma - What Really Is Going On?
• Common Scary Asthma Symptoms That You Should Know About
• Understanding Asthma Causes … What Really Is Causing Your Breathing Problems?
• Asthma Classification: How Severe Is Your Wheeze?
• Asthma Complications That Can Put You In Danger
• Asthma & Allergies - What Is The Connection?
• Asthma And Stress Can Make For a Bad Attack
• Bronchitis And Asthma: Can You Tell The Difference?

Many people with asthma find fewer complications when they find a management plan that really works. Read The SAFE Asthma Treatment Guide and discover the four steps to controlling asthma.  

With a little help from your doctor and the right plan of action, you can control your wheezing so that you can breathe easier.

And remember … any asthma treatment prescribed by a physician should always be taken as ordered, even if there are no symptoms. Your doctor is the gatekeeper to keeping you healthy.

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