Asthma Types

Asthma is a medical condition where there is inflammation of the airways and reversible obstruction. However, it is often called different things. Names for types of asthma can describe the triggers that cause an asthma attack or the things that make asthma worse in certain individuals.

Exercise-Induced Asthma
Exercise commonly makes asthma symptoms worse. With treatment and monitoring, people with exercise-induced asthma symptoms can continue to participate in physical activities. The more inflamed the airways, the less exercise it takes to cause symptoms. Learn more about exercise-induced asthma.

Nocturnal Asthma
The worsening of asthma at night is very common, and treating the underlying causes can provide significant help. As with exercise, when asthma is a problem at night, it usually means that the inflammation in the airways is worse. Learn more about nocturnal asthma.

Occupational Asthma
Workplace exposure to certain chemicals or dusts can induce asthma. These substances can be an irritant to the airways, or exposures can cause an allergic type of reaction. Quick recognition and control of workplace exposures is important, as is using the appropriate protective equipment. Learn more about occupational asthma.

Steroid-Resistant Asthma (Severe Asthma)
While the majority of patients respond to regular inhaled glucocorticoid (steroid) therapy, some people are steroid-resistant. These people do not respond sufficiently to steroids at normal doses. Speak with your health care provider about an action plan for working with this type of asthma.

Allergic Asthma
Allergies can make asthma symptoms worse. Therefore, it is best to avoid the things to which you are allergic. Learn more about allergic asthma and how to avoid allergens.

Cough-Variant Asthma
Cough-variant asthma produces a dry cough (without expelled mucus). People with cough-variant asthma often do not present with other conventional asthma symptoms, such as wheezing or shortness of breath.

Eosinophilic Asthma
Eosinophilic asthma involves the increase of the blood cell eosinophil in the lung tissue and mucus. This causes patients to experience chronic sinus disease and nasal polyposis. The higher number of eosinophil is also related to a risk for more frequent or severe asthma attacks.