Intrinsic asthma is caused by environmental factors and can be treated with medications. Common causes include exposure to pollutants and household irritants. Symptoms are similar to allergic asthma but not caused by an immune reaction. Treatment involves identifying and eliminating triggers and using prescription medications. If left untreated, it can cause severe breathing difficulties and permanent airway damage.
Intrinsic asthma, also known as non-allergic asthma, is caused by environmental factors rather than exposure to allergens. The condition causes airway constriction and inflammation similar to allergic asthma and can also be treated with medications. The symptoms of this type of asthma, however, are not associated with allergic reactions. Intrinsic asthma is more common in adults than in children, although it can occur at any age.
Common causes of intrinsic asthma include long-term exposure to nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and carbon monoxide expelled from burning automobile, train, and bus engines, and even power plants. In most cases, these by-products are released into the open air where they are of little importance. If vehicles are left idling in closed stations, however, the fumes can cause asthma when an individual is exposed to them regularly and over long periods.
Tobacco smoke, cooking gas in poorly ventilated kitchens, and household pollutants can also cause inherent asthma. Fiberboard bonded with formaldehyde-containing adhesive, synthetic fibers in carpets, air fresheners, perfumes, and commercial cleaning products can irritate the airways and cause asthma symptoms. In rare cases, intrinsic asthma can be caused by stress, anxiety, hyperventilation, or exercise.
The symptoms of intrinsic asthma are similar to those of allergic asthma. The most common symptoms include coughing and wheezing, shortness of breath, tightness and pressure in the chest, and rapid or difficult breathing. On the surface, an episode looks exactly like an allergic asthma attack, but the immune system doesn’t provoke the reaction. Symptoms may also worsen after exercise and exposure to cold or dry air.
There is no cure for this type of asthma, but identifying and eliminating triggers can reduce the frequency of attacks and prevent symptoms from developing. Prescription medications such as asthma inhalers, bronchodilators, and corticosteroids are helpful for symptom management. Some patients use unproven alternative therapies to treat the inherent symptoms of asthma such as acupuncture, massage, hypnosis, herbs, and even chiropractic manipulation. Always consult a qualified physician before trying alternative remedies to treat serious medical conditions such as asthma.
If left untreated, intrinsic asthma can cause severe breathing difficulties and permanent airway damage. Hospitalization, asphyxiation, and death are rare complications, but can occur in extreme cases if the condition is not managed properly. In most cases, intrinsic asthma is easily controlled. With prompt diagnosis and treatment, the patient can live a long and healthy life with minimal interference.
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