Allergic Asthma vs Non-Allergic Asthma: Key Differences and How to Manage Them

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By Dr. Sandeep Benkal

Dr. Sandeep Benkal boasts a comprehensive fifteen-year background as an Ayurvedic doctor, with a particular specialization in skin conditions, arthritis, PCOS, and diabetes management.

BAMS, DND| 15+ Years of Experience

Allergic Asthma vs Non-Allergic Asthma: Key Differences and How to Manage Them

Asthma is a chronic lung disease. It affects your airways, the tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs. The airways of people with asthma become inflamed and narrowed. This triggers wheezing, coughing, and tightness in the chest. When these symptoms get worse than usual, it is called an asthma attack or flare-up.

The Global Asthma Report 2022, prepared by Global Asthma Network, shows that about 35 million people suffer from asthma in India.

It is often observed that patients with asthma and allergy mostly worry about managing symptoms. So, they take over-the-counter medications or rely solely on prescribed medications. However, many experts opine that a holistic approach that involves lifestyle factors can lead to a positive treatment outcome against asthma and allergies.

How Holistic Remedies Can Support Asthma Management

While medication is central to controlling non allergic asthma or allergic asthma, lifestyle changes and natural remedies can provide long-term relief. Natural wellness formulas like herbal tonics and adaptogenic supplements may help the body manage triggers and inflammation better.

These approaches aim to support:

  • Immune system balance, helping minimize hypersensitivity reactions in allergic vs non allergic asthma
  • Inflammation reduction in the airways — a key issue in both asthma vs allergic asthma
  • Respiratory health using herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda to soothe the lungs
  • Stress response management, crucial in non allergic asthma triggers such as anxiety, cold air, or infections

Such approaches should never replace prescribed medications but may complement existing therapy with professional guidance.

Allergic Asthma

Allergic asthma is the most common type of asthma, triggered by allergens such as:

  • Pet dander
  • Mold
  • Dust mites
  • Pollen from grass, trees, and weeds
  • Waste from pests such as cockroaches and mice
  • Symptoms of Allergic Asthma:
  • Wheezing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Coughing
  • Chest tightness

How to Manage Allergic Asthma?

  • Avoid all known allergens like dust mites, pollen, mold, and pet dander

  • Use inhaled corticosteroids as prescribed

  • Consider antihistamines and immunotherapy (allergy shots)

  • Regularly clean household spaces to eliminate allergens

The difference between allergic and non allergic asthma primarily lies in the source of the trigger — allergens in this case.

Non-Allergic Asthma

Non-allergic asthma is not triggered by allergens. Instead, it's caused by:

  • Stress
  • Exercise
  • Cold air
  • Respiratory infections
  • Certain medications
  • Household chemicals
  • Tobacco smoke

Symptoms of Non-Allergic Asthma:

  • Wheezing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Coughing
  • Chest tightness

How to Manage Non-Allergic Asthma?

  • Identify and avoid non-allergic triggers
  • Use inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators
  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle to reduce flare-ups
  • Consider natural immune-modulating therapies to support respiratory health

Many people ask, what is non allergic asthma or asthma without allergies — and the answer lies in its unique trigger profile, not involving typical allergens.

Common Tips to Manage Both Allergic and Non-Allergic Asthma

Whether you're dealing with non allergy asthma or allergen-induced asthma, here are helpful tips that apply to both:

  • Get enough sleep and practice relaxation techniques
  • Maintain a healthy body weight
  • Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins
  • Do mild or moderate exercise regularly
  • Keep windows closed during high pollen seasons
  • Stay updated with your physician and asthma action plan
  • Avoid tobacco smoke, air pollution, and strong chemical smells
  • Take medications consistently and monitor your inhaler supply

Understanding the difference between allergic and non allergic asthma is key to choosing the right management strategies.

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 FAQs

Q1. What is the main difference between allergic and non allergic asthma?
A: The main difference between allergic and non allergic asthma is in their triggers. Allergic asthma is caused by allergens (like dust or pollen), while non allergic asthma is triggered by factors such as cold air, stress, or respiratory infections.

Q2. Can I have asthma without allergies?
A: Yes, this is referred to as non allergic asthma or asthma without allergies. It does not involve an immune response to allergens.

Q3. What are common non allergic asthma triggers?
A: Common non allergic asthma triggers include cold air, emotional stress, exercise, chemical exposure, and respiratory infections.

Q4. Is there any difference in treatment between allergic and non allergic asthma?
A: While both types use similar core treatments like corticosteroids and bronchodilators, allergic asthma may also require antihistamines or allergy shots, whereas non allergic asthma may focus more on lifestyle and trigger avoidance.

Q5. Can non allergic asthma develop later in life?
A: Yes, non allergic asthma often develops in adulthood and can be harder to manage if not diagnosed properly.