Difference Between Extrinsic Asthma and Intrinsic Asthma

Definition

Extrinsic asthma (allergic asthma) is the asthma caused by a chronic allergic reaction. If your asthma is allergic or extrinsic, you will have increased levels of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) present in the blood test.

In Intrinsic asthma (non-allergic asthma), IgE is only locally involved and this asthma is triggered by several non-allergic factors like cold weather, dry weather, stress and anxiety, viruses or infections, smoke and more.

Phenomena

This type of asthma is very common. Sixty percent people with asthmatic symptoms suffer from allergic asthma or extrinsic asthma as per the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

It is less common in comparison to allergic or extrinsic asthma. Only ten percent to thirty percent of people suffering from asthma develop intrinsic or non-allergic asthma as per The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

It develops more often in women in comparison to males and typically occurs later in life than allergic asthma extrinsic asthma.

Causes

• Dust mites

• House dust

• Pet dander

• Horse hair

• Feathers

• Plant Pollen

• Mold

• fungal spores

• Cockroaches

• Furniture stuffing

• Rodents

• Foods like fish (shellfish), berries, tomatoes, cow’s milk, cereals, eggs and chocolate

• Drugs like sulfites,Penicillin, and aspirin

• Stress

• Anxiety

• Cold air

• Upper respiratory viruses (respiratory infections like the common cold)

• Cigarette smoke

• Environmental and air pollution

• Changes in weather

• Dry air

• Wood or fireplace smoke

Diagnosis

• Lung X-ray and blood work in addition to a thorough physical examination

• Spirometry

• Peak flow, or lung function tests

• All of the above-mentioned tests as well as a skin prick test, to find out what the body perceives as an allergen.

• Lung X-ray and blood work in addition to a thorough physical examination

• Spirometry

• Peak flow, or lung function tests

• After that, your physician may perform an analysis on what factor(s) result in your non- allergic or intrinsic asthma.

Treatment

Extrinsic (allergic) asthma treatment involves a tandem treatment approach

It involves treatment of asthma along with the allergies. Extrinsic asthma treatment will involve medications from the doctor meant to address the problem of irritation and reduce the swelling or inflammation. Allergy treatment along with asthma treatment will depend on the allergen causing the symptoms and the severity of the symptoms.

Diet and lifestyle changes are recommended, in addition to traditional allergy medicine.

After your physician identifies the causes and reasons that are responsible for your non-allergic or intrinsic asthma, he will recommend certain treatment and precaution measures to address the specific triggers. These measures include lifestyle changes, changes in diet, nutrition and the environment. The doctor may also prescribe certain drugs and medications, like steroids and antibiotics, that will address the inflammation and infection caused by certain triggers.

If your non- allergic or intrinsic asthma is triggered by tension or anxiety, psychological counselling may also be recommended for treating your non-allergic asthma.

Prevention

• Use of vacuum cleaner to minimize dust

• Fixing pipes that are leaking for prevention of mold build-up

• Doors and windows should be shut properly to avoid the pollen

• Pets should be kept out of the bedrooms and living rooms.

People with intrinsic asthma should avoid dry, humid and cold weather.