10 Breathtaking Varieties of Asthma: Your Ultimate Navigator's Guide
3. Non-allergic Asthma
Nonallergic asthma refers to a type of asthma where an affected individual's immune response is not involved in its pathogenesis and triggers. The only antibodies involved in nonallergic asthma are localized IgE antibodies in the patient's airways. The symptoms in nonallergic asthma are not triggered by an external allergen that activates the immune system, but an external irritant instead. Such triggers include everyday irritants that occur outside of the body, including tobacco smoke, cold air, perfumes, dry air, wood smoke, fireplace smoke, exposure to certain drugs, air pollution, strong chemical odors, and scented products. Irritants that occur inside of an affected individual's body that can trigger symptoms include excessive laughing or crying, mental or emotional stress, anxiety, viral or bacterial infection, fluctuations in hormones, and acid reflux. Nonallergic asthma is diagnosed by ruling out other conditions and types of asthma. Nonallergic asthma patients have a negative result on their aeroallergen spirometry and skin allergy tests.
4. Occupational Asthma
A form of asthma that develops in an individual as a result of the inhalation of certain substances when they are on the job is referred to as occupational asthma. While symptoms of occupational asthma are similar to those in other forms, certain factors can help distinguish it. These factors include an increase in symptom severity as the workweek progresses, a decrease in symptoms when on weekends and vacations, and symptoms that worsen or recur upon returning to work. Occupational asthma can only develop after an initial extended period of routine exposure to the triggering substance. The greater the duration of when an individual is exposed to the triggering substance, the longer they will experience symptoms when they cease exposure completely. Occupational asthma can be caused by animal proteins found in hair, fur, body wastes, dander, scales, and saliva. Chemicals used to produce insulation, upholstery, packaging materials, foam mattresses, paints, adhesives, soldering resin, varnishes, and laminates are also causes of occupational asthma. Other substances implicated in occupational asthma include flour conditioner enzymes, platinum, nickel sulfate, chromium, rubber latex components, cereal proteins, flax proteins, rye, papain, cotton proteins, hemp, chlorine gas, smoke, and sulfur dioxide.
