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Are There Different Types Of Asthma

What Are The Common Treatment Options For Asthma

Different Types of Asthma

Long-term control and prevention are key methods to stop asthma attacks before they start. Treatment usually involves recognizing and avoiding the triggers as much as possible. 

There is currently no cure for asthma, but treatment can help control the symptoms, so patients may be able to live a normal, active life. The following are treatments commonly used for asthma.

  • Inhalers: This may relieve symptoms when they occur and stop symptoms developing . Some people need an inhaler that does both . The inhalers are generally beta-agonists such as salbutamol, salmeterol or a combination of beta-agonist and steroid.
  • Tablets: Patients may also need to take tablets if using an inhaler alone is not helping control their symptoms.
  • Leukotriene receptor antagonists : LTRAs are the main tablets used for asthma. They also come in the syrup and powder form.
  • Theophylline: Theophylline may also be recommended if other treatments are not helping to control the symptoms.
  • Steroid tablets: Steroid tablets may be recommended if patients are unable to take any of the above medications to control the symptoms. They may be given as an immediate treatment or every day or as a long-term treatment to prevent the symptoms.
  • Injections: For some people with severe asthma, an injection such as Fasenra , is given every few weeks to control the symptoms. These medicines are not suitable for everyone with asthma and can only be prescribed by an asthma specialist.
  • Who Is More Likely To Have This Type

    The largest number of people with asthma have mild asthma. Mild intermittent and mild persistent are the most common types of asthma. Mild asthma is more likely than other types to be untreated since the symptoms are so mild.

    A number of factors increase your risk for any type of asthma. These include:

    • having a family history of asthma
    • smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
    • having allergies
    • development of mucus in the airways
    • chest tightness or pain

    What Are Common Ways To Diagnose Asthma

    Personal and medical history. Your doctor will ask you questions to understand your symptoms and their causes. Bring notes to help jog your memory. Be ready to answer questions about your family history, the medicines you take and your lifestyle. This includes any current physical problems. Shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing and tightness in your chest may show asthma. This also includes all previous medical conditions. A history of allergies or eczema increases your chance of asthma. A family history of asthma, allergies or eczema increases your chance of having asthma, too. Tell your doctor about any home or work exposure to environmental factors that can worsen asthma. For example, these might include pet dander, pollen, dust mites and tobacco smoke. The doctor may also ask if you get chest symptoms when you get a head cold.

    Physical exam. If your doctor thinks you have asthma, they will do a physical exam. They will look at your ears, eyes, nose, throat, skin, chest and lungs. This exam may include a lung function test to detect how well you exhale air from your lungs. You may also need an X-ray of your lungs or sinuses. A physical exam then allows your doctor to review your health.

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    Other Types Of Asthma

    You may also hear other asthma types mentioned, such as nocturnal asthma or cough-variant asthma. Nocturnal asthma is asthma that gets worse at night. It may wake you from sleep. This type is very common. Your doctor may adjust your medications to give you more asthma control at night. Cough-variant asthma has persistent coughing as the main symptom, rather than wheezing. This type is treated the same way as other types.

    Sometimes you will also hear about ‘levels’ of asthma. These levels classify the condition by its severity. The levels include intermittent, mild, moderate or severe.

    • Intermittent asthma causes symptoms less than twice a week
    • Mild persistent asthma causes symptoms two or more days a week
    • Moderate persistent asthma causes symptoms at least every day and wakes you up one or more nights a week
    • Severe persistent asthma causes symptoms every day and wakes you up every night.

    Work with your doctor to find out which type of asthma you have, so you can develop the asthma treatment plan that’s best for your particular condition. Remember that it’s likely you have more than one type.

    How Many Types Of Asthma

    There are a lot of different types of Asthma Action Plans ...

    Asthma is a long-term disease, commonly called chronic disease. There are different Types Of Asthma on the basic shown symptoms. Asthma is a chronic disease and so, it can not be cured.

    It is related to the breathing issue. It is a condition in which a persons breathing path becomes narrow and then, further led to excess production of mucus which in return causes breathing issues. It also produces a wheezing type sound which breathing in and out.

    For some people, asthma is a normal disease and for some, it might cause severe attacks that can be deadly. It can only be controlled by reducing its symptoms.

    The basic symptoms of asthma include:

    • Tightening of chest
  • What are common asthma triggers?
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    Asthma A Disease With Many Variations

    Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, whose symptoms have very different manifestations from one individual to another. While someone with only mild symptoms can usually cope with everyday life without major problems, a more pronounced course of the disease giving rise to shortness of breath and recurring asthma attacks will severely restrict the lives of those afflicted. Even when the symptoms are kept at bay, severe asthma sufferers live in constant fear of a renewed attack.

    In order to know what makes the symptoms worse or what can trigger an asthma attack, everyone should know what type of asthma they have. This will help them to avoid the triggers or situations that might provoke asthma attacks.

    Occupational Asthma Is Triggered By An Irritant Youre Exposed To At Work

    If your asthma started when you changed jobs, improves when youre away from your work environment, or is triggered by chemicals that make it difficult to breathe, then you may be suffering from occupational asthma.

    Occupational factors are associated with up to 15 percent of disabling asthma cases in the United States. An estimated 11 million workers in a wide range of industries are exposed to at least one of the numerous agents known to be associated with occupational asthma.

    More than 250 manufacturing substances have been known to exacerbate occupational asthma, such as:

    • Paints
    • Plastics workers
    • Woodworkers

    Workers have the right to a safe workplace. If you suspect unsafe work conditions and wish to issue a complaint, check out resources from the U.S. Department of Labors Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

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    Additional Feature: Valved Holding Chamber

    A valved holding chamber is a device that is placed on the mouthpiece of the metered-dose inhaler . It has a one-way valve that prevents you from breathing into the device. It can be used with a mouthpiece or facemask.

    There are several advantages of using a valved holding chamber. You do not need to coordinate releasing the medication and breathing. You release the medication first. Then you breathe in. It also prevents medication from spraying directly into the back of your mouth and sticking there.2 Using this device can help get more medication into your lungs.

    Figure 2. Metered dose inhaler with a valved holding chamber

    To use the valved holding chamber with a metered dose inhaler:2,3

  • Shake the inhaler.
  • Remove the cap on the valved holding chamber. Look inside to make sure nothing is in the chamber.
  • Place the rubber ring around the mouthpiece on the metered dose inhaler.
  • Breathe out until your lungs are empty.
  • Place your mouth around the mouthpiece.
  • Press on the canister to release one puff of medication.
  • Within 5 seconds of releasing the medication, start to breathe in slowly. Breathe in for 3 to 5 seconds.
  • Hold your breath for 10 seconds.
  • Rinse out your mouth with water and spit it out, especially if you are taking an inhaled corticosteroid. Rinsing helps to prevent thrush . It also reduces the amount of medication you swallow.
  • Whats An Asthma Attack

    Types of Asthma – Dr. Sailaja Vummadi

    When you breathe normally, muscles around your airways are relaxed, letting air move easily. During an asthma attack, three things can happen:

    • Bronchospasm: The muscles around the airways constrict . When they tighten, it makes the airways narrow. Air cannot flow freely through constricted airways.
    • Inflammation: The airway linings become swollen. Swollen airways dont let as much air in or out of the lungs.
    • Mucus production: During the attack, your body creates more mucus. This thick mucus clogs airways.

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    How Do You Monitor Asthma Symptoms

    Monitoring your asthma symptoms is an essential piece of managing the disease. Your healthcare provider may have you use a peak flow meter. This device measures how fast you can blow air out of your lungs. It can help your provider make adjustments to your medication. It also tells you if your symptoms are getting worse.

    Different Types Of Asthma

    Asthma is an inflammation and obstruction of the bronchial tubes the passages that let air enter and exit the lungs. When an asthma attack occurs, the muscles that are around the bronchial tubes constrict and create problems as the air passages become narrow, making it difficult to breathe. Asthma can occur in all ages from adults to childhood asthma. There are many different types of asthma that one can experience from allergic asthma, adult-onset asthma, exercise-induced bronchoconstriction , and even occupational asthma.

    • Adult-onset Asthma: Asthma can sometimes only appear later in life in your adulthood, and this is known as adult-onset asthma. The causes of this type of asthma can be from a number of different factors but ultimately it will be from first time exposure to an asthma trigger.
    • Allergic Asthma: The close tie between allergies and asthma is allergic asthma. This type of asthma will be triggered by allergens in the environment such as pollen, pet dander, dust, and even mold spores in the air.
    • Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction : Exercised-induced bronchoconstriction is the term used to describe asthma that is induced by physical exercise. As much as 90 percent of people with asthma have EIB, but not everyone with EIB has asthma. EIB is caused by the loss of heat, water, or both from the airways during exercise when quickly breathing in the air.

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    What Should I Do If I Have A Severe Asthma Attack

    A severe asthma attack needs immediate medical care. The first step is your rescue inhaler. A rescue inhaler uses fast-acting medicines to open up your airways. Its different than your normal maintenance inhaler, which you use every day. You should only use the rescue inhaler in an emergency.

    If your rescue inhaler doesnt help or you dont have it with you, go to the emergency department if you have:

    • Anxiety or panic.
    • Bluish fingernails, bluish lips or gray or whitish lips or gums .
    • Chest pain or pressure.

    How Do Healthcare Providers Diagnose Asthma

    Asthma

    Your healthcare provider will review your medical history, including information about your parents and siblings. Your provider will also ask you about your symptoms. Your provider will need to know any history of allergies, eczema and other lung diseases.

    Your healthcare provider may order a chest X-ray, blood test or skin test. Your provider may order spirometry. This test measures airflow through your lungs.

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    Most Common Types Of Asthma

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , 1 in 13 Americans suffers from asthma and its the most common chronic illness in children. Just like many conditions, asthma affects everyone differently while some people only suffer a mild form of the disease, others are plagued by frequent and life-threatening asthma attacks.

    Types Of Asthma And Their Characteristics What To Know

    Knowing the types of asthma can help you treat your disease better. Find out all about the different types and improve your health.

    Asthma is a widespread disease in the general population. Therefore, knowing its causative agents in detail is essential to find the appropriate treatment in each case.

    Asthma is a disease with various clinical types, characterized by chronic inflammation of the respiratory tubes, which makes it difficult for air flow to the lungs. The World Health Organization highlights that it is a very common pathology, since up to 7% of adults suffer from it.

    This same institution estimates that 250,000 deaths occur annually from this cause. Despite the fact that there are more than 235 million people with asthma in the world, 80% of deaths are distributed in low-income countries.

    For this reason, whether for empathy or prevention, we are going to report on the types of asthma and their characteristics. If you want to know more about the subject, keep reading.

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    When To See A Gp

    See a GP if you think you or your child may have asthma.

    Several conditions can cause similar symptoms, so it’s important to get a proper diagnosis and correct treatment.

    The GP will usually be able to diagnose asthma by asking about symptoms and carrying out some simple tests.

    Find out more about how asthma is diagnosed.

    Types Of Asthma Inhalers

    Asthma: The Types And Treatments – Dr. Mark Dykewicz

    The medicine inside an inhaler goes straight into the airways when you breathe in. This means that you need a much smaller dose than if you were to take the medicine as a tablet or liquid by mouth. The airways and lungs are treated, but little of the medicine gets into the rest of the body.

    The proper medicine name is called the generic name. Different drug companies can use the generic medicine and produce different brands – the proprietary medicine names. There are many different brands of inhalers. Inhalers can have generic names and be produced by different drug companies too. For some medicines there are different inhaler devices that deliver the same medicine. This means that there are many types of inhaler available on prescription, all of which are produced in different colours. This can be confusing.

    Because there are lots of different-coloured inhalers available, it is helpful to remember their names, as well as the colour of the device. This might be important if you need to see a doctor who does not have your medical records – for example:

    • In A&E.
    • If you are on holiday.
    • Outside the normal opening hours of your GP surgery.

    It might be helpful to keep a list of the names of your medicines and inhalers in your wallet or purse. This information will prevent mistakes and confusion.

    In the treatment of asthma, the medicine inside inhalers can be grouped into relievers , preventers and long-acting bronchodilators.

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    What Happens During An Asthma Attack

    When an asthma attack occurs, the muscles around the airways will first tighten this is called a bronchospasm. A bronchospasm makes your chest feel tight and makes it harder to catch your breath. You may make a whistling sound when you try to breathe, or start wheezing. The lining in the airways will become inflamed and swollen, more mucus will be produced, plus the mucus will be thicker than usual.

    If you have mild asthma, taking your reliever inhaler should start to help the attack within minutes. But if you have more severe asthma, you may need medical attention, as it can be life-threatening.

    Alternative To An Inhaler: Nebulizer

    A nebulizer is a machine that turns the asthma medication into a fine mist. A nebulizer can be used for rescue medications and control medications.2 Nebulizing can be expensive and time-consuming.2 The machines are bulky. For these reasons, nebulized medication is mainly used for people who cannot use a metered-dose inhaler with a valve holding chamber and face mask.2 The advantage of using a nebulizer is that the person can breathe in and out like normal. The nebulizer can be used with a mouthpiece or snug-fitting face mask.2

    General guidelines for using a nebulizer are:3

  • Wash your hands before you start.
  • Assemble the machine, tubing, medicine cup, and mouthpiece or mask.
  • Pour the medication into the medication cup.
  • Place your mouth around the mouthpiece.
  • Turn on the machine.
  • Take normal breaths through your mouth.
  • Continue for about 10 minutes, until the medicine cup is empty or the mist stops.
  • Rinse out your mouth with water and spit it out, especially if you are taking an inhaled corticosteroid. Rinsing helps to prevent thrush . It also reduces the amount of medication you swallow.
  • What type of asthma inhaler do you use? Do you use a spacer or valved holding chamber with it? Let us know in the comments below!

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    With Nocturnal Asthma Symptoms Are Worse At Night

    You may notice that your asthma symptoms worsen at night.

    Classified as nocturnal asthma, this type involves the same symptoms as other types of asthma, but they are exacerbated during the evening hours:

    • Coughing
    • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
    • Inflammation of airway

    In a series of surveys of asthmatic patients from different countries, nocturnal asthmatic symptoms were reported in 47 to 75 percent of cases. No matter which type of asthma you have, you may experience difficulties breathing at night.

    It’s unclear whether or not there is a circadian rhythm factor or an additional aspect of sleep that makes asthmatic symptoms worse. Some triggers that may make asthmatic symptoms worse in the evening include:

    • Having a cold, flu, or virus
    • Dust or other allergens
    • Acid reflux
    • Anti-inflammatory drugs or pain relievers or beta-blockers

    Nocturnal asthma has been shown to negatively affect mental performance in children. A study published in the Archives of Diseases in Children found that children whose sleep was disturbed by nocturnal asthma also exhibited signs of psychological problems and impaired functioning in school.

    Fortunately, researchers found that mental function improved when asthma symptoms were treated.

    When And How Are Types Of Asthma Diagnosed

    Bronchial Asthma Symptoms

    Asthma is diagnosed based on symptoms, a physical examination, and lung function tests.1 Your health care provider will ask about the type and frequency of your asthma symptom and attacks. Tell your provider if you have had eczema, food allergies, hay fever , long-term nasal congestion , heartburn, or reflux in the past.

    Inhaled corticosteroids are usually used to treat people with asthma. For some people, these medications do not work well. The first thing to do is to make sure you are taking them properly. If you still have symptoms, more tests may be needed to know which type of asthma you have.4 The results can help your provider recommend another treatment.

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    Eosinophilic Asthma A Severe Form Of Asthma

    The various types of asthma can usually be controlled well with the currently prescribed drugs. There are, however, severe forms of non-allergic asthma that occur only in the second half of life and that do not, or only insufficiently, respond to current drug therapies. In these cases, doctors speak of eosinophilic asthma. This type of asthma is treated with special drugs that suppress inflammatory processes in the lungs.

    The term âeosinophilic asthmaâ is derived from what are known as eosinophilic granulocytes. These are a subgroup of white blood cells that play an important role in immune defense. These defense cells play a significant role in overreactions of the immune system. If the body produces an excessive number of them, they can cause inflammation in the lungs. These inflammations can then in turn lead to asthma attacks.

    Doctors can determine whether a patient is suffering from eosinophilic asthma by means of a simple blood test. Like allergic asthma, eosinophilic asthma is a type 2 inflammatory disease and can be detected by the typical biomarkers. An elevated number of eosinophils in the blood, accompanied by a high FeNO level, may indicate eosinophilic asthma.

    What Are The Different Types Of Asthma

    There are two kinds of asthmaallergic and nonallergic. Both types cause the same asthma symptomslike wheezing, shortness of breath and mucus production. But allergic and nonallergic asthma have different triggers, and the treatments for each can be different. So it’s important to identify which kind of asthma you have; it’s the first step toward getting better control over your condition.

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    What Are The Three Types Of Asthma

    The three common types of asthma are as follows:

    Other types of asthma include the following:

    • Occupational asthma: This is common in carpenters, hairdressers, animal breeders, and farmers who are exposed to allergens at their workplace. Medication and counseling may be needed.
    • Cough variant asthma: Severe coughing is the main feature of this asthma rather than wheezes. It may be triggered by infections or exercises.

    Continue Learning About Asthma

    Types of asthma & Impact of air pollution | Dr Desiree Larenas Linneman

    Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

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    Various Types Of Asthma

    There are various Types Of Asthma. On the basis of how symptoms are seen in a person, asthma can be classified into 4 types, that is:

  • Mild Intermittent Asthma: As its name suggests, this type of asthma lasts for very little time. The symptoms are very mid or less and occur generally in two weeks or in a month. It also means that asthma. Is in control. It does not interfere with the persons regular activities.
  • Mild Persistent Asthma: In these Types Of Asthma, the symptoms show up more often. A person can experience two to three asthma attacks in a week and more than four in a month. Symptoms are mild but are persistent.
  • Moderate Persistent Asthma: As its name says, the asthma symptoms are moderate. The symptoms also show up regularly or at least one time a week. The asthma symptoms are persistent and they affect regular activities. A person should take necessary precautions and medicines prescribed by the doctor.
  • Severe Persistent Asthma: In this Types Of Asthma, the symptoms show up for more than one or two in a day. And also, the symptoms are severe. It also limits the regular activities of a person. This Types Of Asthma is difficult to treat and can cause severe effects.
  • There is one more classification of Types Of Asthma, which is on the basis of how asthma affects a persons regular life, what is its impact. On this basis, it has the following two categories, i.e. well-controlled asthma and poorly controlled asthma.

    Types Of Asthma That Might Completely Surprise You

    If one of the questions at your next trivia night is about types of asthma, youre in luck. You probably already know of what many people see as regular asthma, like the kind that might go haywire when youre exposed to allergens that bother your respiratory system. But, like many health conditions, there are different variations of asthma, including some youve probably never heard of before.

    All types of asthma follow the same general process, Raymond Casciari, M.D., a pulmonologist at St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, California, tells SELF. Asthma impacts your airways, which extend between your nose and mouth to your lungs, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute . Your airways can get inflamed in response to triggers, and the swelling can cause the surrounding muscles to tighten, restricting your air intake even more. In this instance, your airways may also create more mucus than they usually do, which typically makes it even harder to breathe.

    Though different types of asthma have that same overarching M.O., they can each flare up for different reasons. Here are a few surprising types of asthma to keep on your radar.

    If youve got a persistent coughone that lasts for over eight weeks, as it can with cough-variant asthmayoull want to see your doctor.

    Anyone can develop occupational asthma, but the U.S. National Library of Medicine says these people are at the greatest risk:

    • Bakers
    • Laboratory workers
    • Metal workers
    • Plastics workers
    • Woodworkers

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