Asthma is a respiratory condition where the patient’s airways become swollen and inflamed. This inflammation blocks airflow and reduces the amount of air that reaches in and out of a person’s lungs.
Asthma is one of the most common respiratory diseases children and adults suffer from. However, there are many different types of asthma and each of which has its own set of triggers.
Types of Asthma
According to a relevant site, asthma is a common disease experienced by children and adults alike. But even though it’s a common disease, each type of asthma has its differences. Below is a short explanation of each.
Allergic Asthma
The most common type of asthma is allergic asthma. People who have allergic asthma most likely have other types of allergic conditions such as allergic rhinitis, eczema, and food allergies.
Triggers:
- Dust mites
- Foods (milk, eggs, nuts)
- Heavily fragranced perfumes
- Pet dander
- Pollen
- Smoke (tobacco, automobile fumes)
Treatment:
- Keep pets out of the bedroom
- Avoid going outside when pollen and air pollution level is high
- Avoid foods that trigger allergies
- Vacuum and dust house regularly
Non-allergic Asthma
Unlike allergic asthma, non-allergic asthma is less common and does not need an allergen to trigger an asthma attack. This type of asthma is mostly acquired through genes or environmental factors.
Triggers:
A non-allergic asthma attack may happen if a person is exposed to:
- Cold
- Exercise
- Humidity
- Stress
- Pollution
Treatment:
- Talk to an asthma specialist to determine what triggers a non-allergic asthma attack
- Always have an asthma action plan
- Carry asthma puffer and spacer at all times
Seasonal Asthma
Seasonal asthma is simply asthma that happens at certain times of the year. People who have seasonal asthma may experience asthma flare-ups during hay fever season, cold or hot weather conditions, winter months, etc.
Triggers:
- Dry air
- Cold air
- Cold/flu
- Pollen
- Mould and mildew
Treatment:
- Always check local weather reports before going outside
- Keep windows and doors closed at home or while in the car
- Wear a scarf over your mouth during the cold season
- Always bring an asthma inhaler and spacer in case of flare-ups
Occupational Asthma
People who suffer from occupational asthma may have noticed that their asthma symptoms are worse when working. This means that their asthma flare-ups only happen when they’re at their workplace.
Triggers:
- Allergens present at the worksite such as chemicals, smoke, aerosols, etc.
- Stress during work
- Vigorous movements at work
Treatment:
- Seek medical help from an asthma specialist to help identify what is causing the symptoms
Exercise-Induced Asthma
Exercise-induced asthma often happens immediately after working out or after doing strenuous activities.
Triggers:
- Chlorinated pools
- Exposure to polluted air after cycling or jogging
- Cold dry air
- Warm and humid air
Treatment:
- Avoid severe work-outs
- Exercise at home
Severe Asthma
Severe asthma is a rare asthma condition compared to other types of asthma. This type of asthma happens if symptoms don’t improve even after medication. People who suffer from severe asthma experience more flare-ups than people with allergic asthma. They may also spend more time in the hospital or clinic.
How To Prevent Asthma Flare-ups
The best way to prevent asthma flare-ups is to understand which situation triggers your asthma. However, doctors also recommend patients always have an asthma action plan with them. Aside from that, carrying your asthma inhaler at all times is also a great choice.
However, there are instances where medication (Ventolin) does not reach the lungs immediately or at all. This situation does not only waste medication but also triggers irritation, especially when stuck in the throat or mouth.
That’s why many doctors recommend the use of spacers when inhaling medication. A spacer helps in delivering the right amount of medication into the patient’s lungs. It also helps avoid the medication being wasted by getting stuck in the throat. Experts highly suggest children and adults use spacers instead of using inhalers alone.
It doesn’t matter what type of asthma you have, as long as you listen to your doctor and avoid exposing yourself to allergens or situations that trigger your asthma. Moreover, you also have to remember to always bring your inhaler with a spacer with you wherever you go.
At Home Healthcare Online, we have spacers both for adults and children that can help prevent asthma flare-ups. Visit our site for more information. We also have other products like nebuliser Australia, peak flow Australia, lung health monitoring Australia and sleep therapy Australia.