Types of Asthma: Allergy Asthma vs. Non-Allergy Asthma
, by Tatianna Gerard, 14 min reading time
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects millions of people worldwide, causing the airways to become inflamed and narrowed, making breathing difficult. What makes asthma so unique is that it can be triggered by a wide variety of factors, from allergens to stress, and even weather changes. These different triggers result in two main types of asthma: allergy-induced asthma and non-allergic asthma.
What is allergy asthma?
Allergy asthma, also known as seasonal asthma, is the most common form of asthma. It occurs when the airways react to specific allergens like pollen, dust mites, mould, pet dander, and even certain foods. For those with allergy-induced asthma, exposure to these allergens triggers an immune response that leads to inflammation and narrowing of the airways, causing asthma symptoms. Many people experience heightened symptoms during specific times of the year, such as spring and summer, when environmental allergens like pollen are more prevalent, giving it the name "seasonal asthma."
How it works
When someone with allergy asthma comes into contact with an allergen, their immune system sees it as a threat—even though it’s harmless to most people. In response, the body releases a series of chemicals, primarily histamines and leukotrienes, which are responsible for the allergic reaction.
- Histamines: These chemicals are released by the immune system's mast cells when they detect an allergen. Histamines cause inflammation in the airways, making them swell and produce excess mucus. This leads to the tightening and narrowing of the airways, causing symptoms like wheezing and coughing.
- Leukotrienes: These chemicals also play a significant role in the allergic response by causing the muscles around the airways to contract, further narrowing them. Leukotrienes prolong the inflammation, making the asthma symptoms more persistent and severe.
As a result of this chemical release, the airways become irritated, inflamed, and congested, making it difficult to breathe. Essentially, the body treats the allergen as an invader, making it hard for the lungs to function as they should.
Common triggers of allergy asthma
1. Environmental allergens
These outdoor and environmental triggers can cause asthma symptoms to flare up, especially during certain seasons:
- Pollen
- Mould spores
- Dust
- Smoke (from cigarettes, bushfires, or fireplaces)
- Air pollution (including exhaust fumes and industrial emissions)
- Strong odours (from cleaning products, perfumes, and chemicals)
- Pet dander
- Insect allergens
2. Indoor allergens
Inside the home, triggers like pet hair, dust mites in bedding, carpets, and upholstery, cockroach droppings, as well as indoor mould, can cause flare-ups. Even certain foods can act as allergens for some people, aggravating their asthma. Common food triggers include:
- Eggs
- Cow's milk
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts (such as almonds, cashews, and walnuts)
- Soy
- Wheat
- Fish and shellfish
Symptoms
The symptoms of allergy asthma often mirror those of other forms of asthma but tend to worsen after exposure to specific allergens. Typical symptoms include:
- Wheezing, particularly after coming into contact with allergens.
- Persistent coughing, especially at night or after exercise.
- Tightness or pressure in the chest.
- Shortness of breath, which can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks.
These symptoms often become more intense during allergy seasons, like spring, when pollen counts are high or after encountering specific indoor allergens.
Who’s at risk?
Certain people are more susceptible to developing allergy asthma, particularly if they have a family history of allergies or asthma. Those with other allergic conditions, like eczema or hay fever, are also more likely to experience this type of asthma. For many, it’s part of what’s known as the “allergic triad,” which includes asthma, eczema, and allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Understanding this risk can help in early diagnosis and management of the condition.
What is non-allergy asthma?
Non-allergy asthma, unlike allergy-induced asthma, is triggered by factors that are not related to allergens. Instead, this type of asthma flares up due to irritants or physical conditions like smoke, exercise, cold air, stress, or even viral infections. Non-allergic asthma can occur without the presence of traditional allergens like pollen or pet dander and is often harder to predict, as its triggers vary widely.
Triggers and causes
Non-allergic asthma can be set off by several different factors that irritate the airways or put stress on the body:
- Irritants: Common irritants like smoke (from cigarettes or fires), strong odours (perfumes, cleaning products), pollution, and chemical fumes can cause asthma flare-ups.
- Exercise-induced asthma: Physical activity, particularly in cold, dry air, can lead to asthma symptoms. This is known as exercise-induced asthma and is often triggered during or after intense workouts.
- Cold air and weather changes: Exposure to cold air or rapid weather changes can cause the airways to become irritated and narrow, leading to breathing difficulties.
- Infections: Viral respiratory infections, such as the common cold or flu, are a major trigger for non-allergic asthma. These infections inflame the airways, making them more sensitive.
- Stress and emotions: Intense emotional stress, anxiety, or even excitement can provoke asthma symptoms in some individuals. The body’s stress response can tighten the muscles around the airways, leading to shortness of breath or chest tightness.
Symptoms
The symptoms of non-allergic asthma are quite similar to those of allergy-induced asthma, including:
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
However, with non-allergic asthma, these symptoms may occur more unpredictably, especially when exposed to irritants, during physical exertion, or in stressful situations.
Who’s at risk?
Non-allergic asthma can affect anyone, but it is more commonly seen in adults, especially those who have a history of respiratory infections or exposure to environmental irritants. Individuals with non-allergic conditions, such as chronic sinusitis, are also more likely to develop this form of asthma. Unlike allergy asthma, which often starts in childhood, non-allergic asthma tends to emerge later in life.
Allergy asthma vs. non-allergy asthma: Key differences
Asthma can manifest in different forms, with allergy asthma and non-allergy asthma being the two primary types. While both share similar symptoms, like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath, their causes and triggers set them apart.
Here’s a quick comparison of the key differences:
Can you have both allergy and non-allergy asthma?
It’s possible to have both allergy-induced and non-allergy asthma, a condition often referred to as mixed asthma. This means that your asthma symptoms can be triggered by both allergens and non-allergenic irritants. For individuals with mixed asthma, managing symptoms can be more complex, as they need to address a wider range of triggers.
In people with mixed asthma, their immune system is hypersensitive to allergens like those found in allergy asthma. At the same time, their airways may also be reactive to non-allergen triggers such as chemical fumes, changes in temperature, or even emotional stress. This combination can lead to more frequent and severe asthma flare-ups, as both types of triggers can overlap and intensify symptoms.
For example, someone with mixed asthma might find that they experience worse symptoms during pollen season while also struggling to breathe when exposed to smoke or exercising in cold air. The variety of triggers means they may face asthma challenges year-round, and not just during allergy seasons.
Treatment and management of both types of asthma
1. Inhaler use
Inhalers are a cornerstone of asthma management for both allergy and non-allergy asthma. They are typically prescribed in two forms: preventer inhalers and reliever inhalers.
- Preventer inhalers: These are used daily to reduce airway inflammation and help prevent asthma attacks. They contain corticosteroids that work to control asthma over time, reducing sensitivity to triggers.
- Reliever inhalers: These are used when symptoms flare up or during an asthma attack. Reliever inhalers are fast-acting, containing medications that relax the muscles around the airways to quickly ease breathing.
For more effective use of inhalers, many healthcare professionals recommend using spacers. A spacer is an attachment that makes it easier to inhale medication correctly by allowing the medication to slow down and be inhaled more deeply into the lungs. This can be especially helpful for people who have difficulty coordinating their breathing with the inhaler, including children and older adults.
There are several types of spacers available:
- Traditional spacers: Basic spacers that attach to the inhaler, offering improved medication delivery compared to direct inhaler use.
- Valved Holding Chambers (VHC): These include a one-way valve, allowing patients to breathe in the medication without losing any, which improves efficiency, especially in younger children or those with coordination issues.
- Spacer masks: These are often used for young children or individuals who have difficulty using a mouthpiece. The mask fits over the mouth and nose, ensuring that the medication is inhaled properly.
- Eco spacers: Made from environmentally friendly materials, eco spacers provide the same functionality as traditional spacers but with a focus on reducing environmental impact.
Shop spacer for your inhaler at Aussie Pharma Direct.
2. Avoiding triggers
Avoiding triggers is a crucial aspect of managing asthma, and the approach differs slightly between allergy asthma and non-allergy asthma.
Allergen Control (for Allergy Asthma):
- Keep windows closed during high-pollen days.
- Use air purifiers and vacuum with HEPA filters to reduce allergens.
- Regularly clean bedding, carpets, and curtains to lower the risk of dust mites.
- Wash pets regularly and keep them out of sleeping areas to limit exposure to pet dander.
Irritant Reduction (for Non-Allergy Asthma):
- Avoid smoking or second-hand smoke.
- Limit exposure to air pollution and industrial fumes, especially outdoors during high-pollution days.
- Use natural, unscented cleaning products and personal care items to avoid strong chemical fumes. We recommend:
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation, as emotional stress can also trigger asthma attacks.
For both allergy and non-allergy asthma, wearing a face mask can help reduce exposure to environmental triggers, particularly when outdoors or in high-pollution areas.
One significant concern in Australia is the bushfire season, which can severely impact air quality with smoke and ash particles. The tiny particles in bushfire smoke can easily irritate the airways, leading to asthma flare-ups or even new respiratory issues in individuals without asthma. During bushfire season, it’s essential to take precautions, and one of the most effective ways to protect yourself is by wearing a P2 mask (as recommended by government websites like NSW Health).
Masks like P2 or N95 are highly effective because they offer ≥95% Particle Filtration Efficiency (PFE) which filters fine particles including pollen, dust, and smoke.
Shop P2/N95 AMD masks offering ≥99.66% PFE at Aussie Pharma Direct
3. Asthma Action Plan
Every person with asthma should have an asthma action plan, a personalised guide developed with a healthcare provider that outlines how to manage asthma on a daily basis and what to do during a flare-up.
A comprehensive asthma action plan typically includes:
- Daily medication schedule: Which preventer medications to take and when.
- Symptoms to watch for: Guidelines on how to recognise early signs of a flare-up, such as increased coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.
- Emergency steps: Instructions on what to do during an asthma attack, including when to use a reliever inhaler and when to seek emergency medical care.
- Adjustment strategies: How to adjust your medication or activities based on environmental triggers or seasonal changes.
Conclusion
Whether your asthma is allergic, non-allergic, or mixed, remember that it’s possible to live well with asthma. With the right treatment, preventive measures, and a few lifestyle changes, you can keep your symptoms in check and continue enjoying the activities you love. Asthma doesn’t have to limit you—understanding and managing it puts you in control.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on our team’s research from credible sources and is meant for educational purposes. It should in no way be used to replace professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor or healthcare provider for personalised medical guidance.