What to know about intrinsic and extrinsic asthma?

The chronic respiratory disorder known as asthma causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, which produces symptoms including coughing, wheezing, dyspnea, and chest tightness. Although there are several forms of asthma, two main varieties jump out: extrinsic and intrinsic asthma.

Allergy Asthma, or extrinsic asthma? Most often occurring type of asthma is extrinsic asthma, sometimes referred to as allergic asthma. It starts with outside allergies the immune system overreacts to.

Common allergies include pollen; triggers:

• Dust mites
• Pet dust
• The mold
• Different foods

Usually beginning in childhood, symptoms include conventional asthma mixed with allergy-related ones include itchy eyes, runny nose, and sneezing.

Usually diagnosed by use of allergy testing, lung function tests, and a review of medical history.

Non-allergic asthma, or intrinsic asthma? Non-allergic asthma, sometimes known as intrinsic asthma, is set off by anything other than allergens. Often it starts later in life.

Typical catalysts for this are:

Infections of the respiratory system

Stress Work Exercise

Cold breeze

Irritants such as pollution or smoke

Like extrinsic asthma, but without associated allergic reactions.

Pulmonary function testing, eliminating out allergy triggers, and a process of elimination helped to diagnosis it.

Important Characteristics Differentiating Intrinsic from Extrinsic Asthma

Feature	Extrinsic Asthma	Intrinsic Asthma
Common Name	Allergic Asthma	Non-Allergic Asthma
Onset	Often in childhood	Often in adulthood
Triggers	Allergens (pollen, dust mites, etc.)	Non-allergic factors (stress, exercise, etc.)
Allergy Symptoms	Present (itchy eyes, runny nose)	Absent
Diagnosis	Allergy testing, pulmonary function tests	Process of elimination, pulmonary function tests

Intersecting elements

Although intrinsic and extrinsic asthma differ clearly, it is noteworthy that both forms entail inflammation of the airways. In both circumstances, airway narrowing’s basic mechanism is same.

Triggers may overlap. There are those who have both allergic and non-allergic asthma triggers.

Treatment is usually somewhat similar. Usually, management consists in a mix of drugs and avoiding triggers.

Managing Asthma

Whatever the kind, management of asthma emphasizes on:

Locating and avoiding triggers: This is absolutely vital to stop asthma episodes.

Medication: Usually used to reduce symptoms include inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators.

Regular visits: It is imperative to keep an eye on lung capacity and modify treatment as required.

Creating a customized action plan helps you to know exactly what to do during an asthma attack.

Though their origins differ, both intrinsic and extrinsic asthma can greatly affect quality of life. Proper diagnosis, treatment, and patient education help those with asthma to properly regulate their symptoms and lead happy life.

For an accurate diagnosis and customized treatment plan, see a healthcare provider.

This material is meant for general education and informative only use; it does not provide medical advice.