Allergic Asthma Treatment, Intrinsic vs Extrinsic Asthma
Asthma is generally split into two categories: extrinsic and intrinsic. Generally speaking, extrinsic asthma is an allergic reaction and intrinsic is non-allergic. Basically, allergic asthma (aka extrinsic asthma) is caused by environmental factors.
Allergic asthma occurs when something foreign enters the body through inhalation. These foreign things are called "allergens" or "antigens," and we breathe them in.
When this happens, the body overreacts. The immune system kicks in, to get rid of these usually harmless particles.
Unlike intrinsic asthma, extrinsic asthma often begins early in life, often in childhood. Asthma, especially extrinsic, is one of the most common chronic childhood diseases. By adolescents, most extrinsic asthma sufferers are aware of the problem and have already sought some kind of treatment.
The only difference between non-allergic and allergic asthma are the source of the trigger. The reaction of the lungs and immune system is the same in either case. Understanding the way allergens come into the body is the key to treating the problem.
Allergens And Triggers
"Triggers" are things that set off this immune system overreaction. They are things that, when present, cause trouble for asthmatics.
- Dust. Household dust can be a real problem for those who suffer from allergic asthma.
- Mold. Mold in the home can also cause trouble. Mold is especially troublesome because you often can't see it. It likes to hide under floors, behind walls and on bathroom ceilings.
- Animal hair and saliva. This is why some people have pet allergies. Just being around a cat or dog can bring on a reaction.
- Pollen. This is a big one for asthma sufferers who have seasonal allergies. In the spring and summer, pollen spores are everywhere, and they are easy to inhale.
- Metabisulfite. You may not have heard this one, but it's a preservative found in many food and drinks. If you find that you suffer from certain food allergies, this may be the culprit.
Treating Extrinsic Asthma
The first step is to avoid your triggers. This may be hard to do, but if you can at least minimize exposure to allergens, it will help. Keep an eye on the dust and mold in your house, avoid dogs and cats, and wear a mask during the heavy pollen season.
Not sure what triggers your asthmatic reaction? Keep a journal. Keep track of when your asthma acts up, and pretty soon you'll start to see patterns.
For a medical solution, the best way to treat allergic asthma is to take inhaled steroids. They work on the lungs, stopping the immune system before the reaction can occur. An inhaler can help you cope with the allergens in your environment.
A more serious option is immunotherapy. With immunotherapy, you take small doses of the problematic allergen (usually through injection), and gradually increase the doses until it becomes manageable. Your body begins to develop the natural defenses necessary, and the allergy can be overcome.
Immunotherapy is somewhat controversial, and results vary among different people. However, it is found to be particularly effective in treating allergic asthma triggered by dust, pollen and animals.
