Asthma is a chronic disease of the airways. The underlying problem is airway
inflammation that consists of swelling and increased mucus. In addition, the airways
are twitchy. This leads to restricted breathing, a tight feeling in the chest, wheezing and
cough. Asthma symptoms are variable. They can come and go, or may become
severe, even life-threatening. It is now clear that there are different types of asthma.
Asthma in Children is often related to upper respiratory, often viral infections. Children
with this asthma may develop a harsh 'croup-like' cough. This asthma may not continue
into later childhood or adulthood unless the child has persistent wheezing, eczema or
other allergies.
Allergic Asthma often begins in childhood. It is connected with allergies to pollens,
molds, dust mites and pets. This asthma has been called 'the hay fever of the lung'. It
worsens in allergy seasons and with specific exposures. Allergic asthma can be helped
with allergy injections.
Some individuals have Late-onset Asthma in Adulthood. This asthma mat start after
an upper respiratory infection. However, the causes is not always known. Patients with
this asthma have less allergies than patients with allergic asthma.
Another type is Aspirin-sensitive Asthma. It occurs in patients with chronic, severe
sinusitis, nasal congestions and nasal polyps. Patients often lose their sense of smell.
When these patients take aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
they react with a severe asthma attack. This asthma is generally more severe than
other types.
A very specific asthma is Allergic bronchopulmonary Mycosis (ABPM). This asthma
consists of a hypersensitive reaction to a mold. Patients develop severe symptoms of
shortness of breath and a cough. It is very hard for their to cough up extremely thick
mucus.
Cross-country skier's asthma is defined an asthma attacks connected to strenuous
skiing-related excessive. Exposure to dry air and a mild respiratory infection are
triggers. Patients with this asthma rarely have allergies.
An allergist/asthma specialist will try to analyze the type of each patient's asthma. This
analysis is important to find a tailor-made treatment plan for each patient.