Asthma (cont.)
The many faces of asthma
The many potential triggers of asthma largely explain the different ways in
which asthma can present. In most cases, the disease starts in early childhood
from 2-6 years of age. In this age group, the cause of asthma is often linked to
exposure to allergens, such as dust mites, tobacco smoke, and viral
respiratory infections. In very young children, less than 2 years of age, asthma
can be difficult to diagnose with certainty. Wheezing at this age often follows
a viral infection and might disappear later, without ever leading to asthma.
Asthma, however, can develop again in adulthood. Adult-onset asthma occurs more
often in women, mostly middle-aged, and frequently follows a respiratory tract
infection. The triggers in this group are usually nonallergic in nature.
Types: allergic (extrinsic) and nonallergic (intrinsic) asthma
Your doctor may refer to asthma as being "extrinsic" or "intrinsic." A better understanding of the nature of asthma can help explain the differences between them. Extrinsic, or allergic asthma, is more common (90% of all cases) and typically develops in childhood.
Approximately 80% of children with asthma also have documented allergies. Typically, there is a family history of allergies. Additionally, other allergic conditions, such as nasal allergies or eczema, are often also present. Allergic asthma often goes into remission in early adulthood. However, in 75% of cases, the asthma reappears later.
Intrinsic asthma represents about 10% of all cases. It usually develops after
the age of 30 and is not typically associated with allergies. Women are more
frequently involved and many cases seem to follow a respiratory tract infection.
The condition can be difficult to treat and symptoms are often chronic and
year-round.
Typical symptoms and signs of asthma
The symptoms of asthma vary from person to person and in any individual
from time to time. It is important to remember that many of these symptoms can
be subtle and similar to those seen in other conditions. All of the symptoms
mentioned below can be present in other respiratory, and sometimes, in heart
conditions. This potential confusion makes identifying the settings in which the
symptoms occur and diagnostic testing very important in recognizing this
disorder.
The following are the four major recognized asthma symptoms:
- Shortness of breath, especially with exertion or at night
- Wheezing is a whistling or hissing sound when breathing out
- Coughing may be chronic, is usually worse at night and early
morning, and may occur after exercise or when exposed to cold, dry air
- Chest tightness may occur with or without the above symptoms
Asthma fact
Asthma is classified according to the frequency and severity of symptoms, or
"attacks," and the results of pulmonary (lung) function tests.
- 30% of affected patients have mild, intermittent (less than two episodes a
week) symptoms of asthma with normal breathing tests
- 30% have mild, persistent (two or mores episodes a week) symptoms of
asthma with normal or abnormal breathing tests
- 40% have moderate or severe, persistent (daily or continuous) symptoms of
asthma with abnormal breathing tests
Next: Acute asthma attack »
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