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.

Asthma triggers may be different for each person and can change over time. Here are the different types of Asthma, the symptoms and steps to avoid the triggers of asthma.

1. 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

Trigger Management:

• Avoid all sorts of known allergens
• Use inhaled corticosteroids
• Take antihistamines and allergy shots (immunotherapy)

2. Non-Allergic Asthma

Non-allergic asthma is not triggered by allergens but by factors such as stress, exercise, cold air, respiratory infections,

certain medicines, household chemicals and tobacco smoke. 

Symptoms of Non-Allergic Asthma: 

• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing
• Chest tightness

Trigger Management:

Identify and avoid all forms triggers and use inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators.

3. Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB)

EIB, also known as exercise-induced asthma. It occurs when physical activity triggers asthma symptoms.

Symptoms or EIB:

• Wheezing and coughing during or after exercise
• Shortness of breath
• Decreased endurance

Trigger Management:

• Do warm-up exercises before a physical activity.
• Use quick-relief inhaler before exercise.
• Keep handy any long-term asthma control medications, prescribed by a doctor.

4. Occupational Asthma

Occupational asthma is triggered by exposure to irritants in the workplace, such as chemicals, dust, or fumes. 

Symptoms of Occupational Asthma:

• Wheezing, coughing
• Shortness of breath during work hours
• Improvement of symptoms during weekends or vacations 

Trigger Management: 

• Identify and reduce exposure to workplace irritants.
• Use appropriate respiratory protective equipment.
• Take asthma medications as prescribed by a doctor.

5. Childhood Asthma

Asthma is a common chronic condition in children, often triggered by respiratory infections, allergens, or environmental factors.

Symptoms of Childhood Asthma:

• Frequent coughing, especially at night
• Wheezing and shortness of breath
• Chest tightness 

Trigger Management:

• Keep your home and the children’s room clean and avoid all known triggers.
• Use asthma medications, including inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators.
• Develop and follow an asthma action plan in consultation with a doctor.

Proper understanding of different types of asthma is crucial for effective management and treatment. If you suspect you have asthma or your current treatment isn't working, consult with a qualified healthcare provider, get proper diagnosis and work out an effective management plan. Identifying and understanding your specific type of asthma, plays a significant role in taking control of your condition and improving your quality of life.