Difference Between Extrinsic and Intrinsic Asthma

Breathing becomes more difficult with asthma, a long-term lung condition caused by inflammation and constriction of the surrounding muscles. There are two subtypes of asthma: extrinsic and intrinsic. Similar symptoms, including wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, coughing, increased mucus production, and breathing difficulties can be present in both.

Here will discuss the difference between these two briefly.

What is Intrinsic Asthma?

Non-allergic asthma is another name for intrinsic asthma. This indicates that an asthma attack is not caused by to allergic response. On the other hand, it could be caused by a range of factors, such as hormonal shifts, including the menstrual cycle, exercise, weather variations, sinus, conditions like colds or the flu, stressful circumstances, and air contamination.

Diagnoses for this type of asthma are more frequently made later in life. It is the less common and frequently more severe kind of asthma. Only 10 - 40 % of asthmatic individuals have inherent asthma. Women are more likely to experience it than men.

Diagnosing intrinsic asthma involves considering family medical history, assessing physical symptoms, and conducting imaging tests like chest X-rays. Treatment for intrinsic asthma typically includes bronchodilators, anti-inflammatory drugs, and lifestyle adjustments such as avoiding secondhand smoke, managing stress, and lowering the chances of respiratory infections.

Triggers of Intrinsic Asthma

Factors related to the environment, body, and mind can induce intrinsic asthma. Typical triggers are:

1. Respiratory infections
2. Workout
3. Stress on the mind
4. Smoke from cigarettes and other pollutants irritate the air.
5. Specific drugs, like aspirin

What is Extrinsic Asthma?

The most common type of asthma is extrinsic asthma. External allergens, including mold, dust mites, pet dander, and pollens, can cause it. Wheezing, chest tightness, coughing, red, itchy eyes, sneezing, nasal congestion, and runny nose are some of the condition's typical symptoms. Both physical examinations and skin testing are useful in the diagnosis of extrinsic asthma.

Options for treating extrinsic asthma can involve:

• Avoiding identified triggers.
• Using asthma drugs like inhaled corticosteroids or bronchodilators.
• Addressing underlying allergies with medications such as sublingual allergy drops.
• Considering immunotherapy.

Triggers of Extrinsic Asthma

Extrinsic asthma triggers differ from person to person. Common allergens include:

1. Pollen
2. dust mites
3. mold
4. Pet dander
5. Rats
6. Cockroaches

People who suffer from extrinsic asthma should be aware of their triggers. The precise things that cause your asthma attack might be identified with the aid of an allergy test.

Diagnosis of Extrinsic Versus Intrinsic Asthma

Both forms of asthma have the same symptoms. Chest X-rays and spirometry tests are often used by doctors to assess lung function, however they are not always effective in differentiating between extrinsic and intrinsic asthma.

Rather, in order to arrive at a diagnosis, medical professionals consider other variables. For instance, age is a crucial factor. The probability that allergens are responsible for your asthma increases with age.

Physicians consider the following factors when diagnosing extrinsic asthma:

• Whether you suffer from another allergic reaction, including eczema, allergic conjunctivitis, allergic rhinitis.
• Whether exercising increases your symptoms.
• Whether you take any medications that might trigger your asthma.
• Whether intense emotions, sobbing, or laughing increases your symptoms.

Similarities Between Extrinsic and Intrinsic Asthma

1. Similar symptoms, like wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, coughing, increased mucus production, and breathing difficulties, can be present in both.
2. Physical symptom evaluation might be utilized to diagnose both disorders.
3. They can be treated with particular drugs and treatments.

Difference Between Extrinsic and Intrinsic Asthma

Conclusion

There are two main subtypes of asthma: extrinsic and intrinsic. These types differ in terms of their cause, symptoms, diagnosis, and modes of therapy. The main causes of extrinsic asthma symptoms, which include wheezing, tightness in the chest, and respiratory problems, are outside allergens, including pollen, dust mites, and pet dander. Conversely, breathing illnesses, exercise, stress, and environmental allergens are some of the variables that can trigger intrinsic asthma, which manifests as coughing, wheezing, and chest pain.