extrinsic asthma

Extrinsic Asthma: A Type of Allergic Reaction

Extrinsic asthma, also known as allergic or atopic asthma, is a type of asthma that occurs due to an allergic reaction to external factors such as allergens, infectious microbes, or environmental triggers. This condition is characterized by an overactive immune response, which leads to inflammation and constriction of the airways.

Causes and Triggers

Extrinsic asthma is caused by an allergic reaction to something in your environment that your immune system views as "foreign" to your body [7]. Common triggers include:

• Allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mold
• Infectious microbes like bacteria or viruses
• Environmental factors like cold air, exercise, or stress

Symptoms

The symptoms of extrinsic asthma are similar to those of intrinsic asthma and include:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness or pain
• Trouble breathing [5]

Age of Onset

Extrinsic asthma commonly manifests first in childhood because the subject inherits an atopic characteristic: the serum contains specific antigens to pollens, dust mites, etc. [6]

Immune Response

In extrinsic asthma, there is an excessive production of IgE antibodies, which are a type of antibody that plays a key role in allergic reactions [9]. This leads to the release of chemical mediators like histamine, which causes blood vessels to dilate and airways to constrict.

References:

• [1] Oct 20, 2017 — Extrinsic asthma is simply asthma caused by an allergic reaction, especially a chronic one.
• [2] Extrinsic asthma is allergic asthma. It occurs in hyperimmune vagotonic patients.
• [3] Extrinsic asthma starts as a type I hypersensitivity reaction to an extrinsic antigen and includes atopic (allergic) and occupational asthma.
• [4] Dec 28, 2022 — Extrinsic asthma is triggered by external factors, while intrinsic asthma is set off by internal ones.
• [5] Feb 8, 2024 — Symptoms: Similar to extrinsic asthma, symptoms include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness or pain, and trouble breathing.
• [6] Extrinsic asthma commonly manifests first in childhood because the subject inherits an atopic characteristic: the serum contains specific antigens to pollens, etc.
• [7] Jun 18, 2024 — Extrinsic asthma is caused by an allergic reaction to something in your environment that your immune system views as "foreign" to your body.
• [8] Allergic (extrinsic) asthma ... Allergic asthma is an allergic reaction of the body to inherently harmless substances such as pollen, animal hair, certain foods, etc.
• [9] Extrinsic asthma is a type of asthma that is triggered by known allergens and has high levels of IgE antibodies.

Extrinsic asthma, also known as allergic asthma or atopic asthma, is characterized by symptoms that occur in response to allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and mold.

Common signs and symptoms of extrinsic asthma:

• Shortness of breath [1]
• Coughing [2][5][8]
• Wheezing [3][4][5][8]
• Chest tightness or pain [4][5][8]
• Rapid breathing [3]

These symptoms can vary in severity and may be triggered by exposure to specific allergens. In some cases, people with extrinsic asthma may also experience nighttime awakenings due to asthma symptoms.

Additional information:

Extrinsic asthma is often associated with a family history of asthma, hay fever, and eczema [6]. It's essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

References: [1] - Context result 1 [2] - Context result 2 [3] - Context result 3 [4] - Context result 4 [5] - Context result 5 [6] - Context result 6

Diagnostic Tests for Extrinsic Asthma

Extrinsic asthma, also known as allergic asthma, is a type of asthma triggered by allergens such as pet dander, pollen, or dust mites. To diagnose extrinsic asthma, doctors use various diagnostic tests to evaluate symptoms and lung function.

• Spirometry: This is the most common test used to diagnose asthma, including extrinsic asthma [3]. Spirometry measures lung function by assessing how much air a person can inhale and exhale.
• Peak Flow Test: This test measures the maximum rate of airflow out of the lungs, which can indicate whether someone has asthma or not [6].
• Trigger Tests: These tests are used to identify specific allergens that may be triggering symptoms. For example, a skin prick test can determine if someone is allergic to certain substances like pollen or pet dander [7].
• Nitric Oxide Breathing Test: This test measures the levels of nitric oxide in exhaled breath, which can indicate inflammation in the airways and help confirm an asthma diagnosis [9].

In addition to these tests, doctors may also review a person's medical history, conduct a physical exam, and ask about symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and stuffy nose [4][5]. A complete health history is essential in diagnosing extrinsic asthma.

References:

[3] Spirometry is the most common test used to diagnose asthma. It's a simple, quick, and painless way to check your lungs and airways. [6] Lung function tests measure your breathing to diagnose asthma. Learn about some common tests, like spirometry, peak flow, trigger tests and more. [7] Allergic asthma is asthma due to breathing in an allergen like pet dander or pollen. Symptoms can include shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing and stuffy nose. [9] You'll take a spirometry test after you exercise to measure your airflow in order to help confirm an asthma diagnosis. Nitric oxide breathing ( ... )

Managing Extrinsic Asthma through Medications

Extrinsic asthma, also known as allergic asthma, can be effectively managed using various medications. These treatments aim to reduce inflammation and prevent symptoms.

• Inhaled Corticosteroids: These are the primary treatment for long-term control of extrinsic asthma. They include medications like fluticasone, budesonide, mometasone, beclomethasone, and ciclesonide [3]. Inhaled corticosteroids are safe and well-tolerated, making them a preferred choice.
• Oral Corticosteroids: These are used to treat acute asthma flares. They are usually prescribed for short periods (5-7 days) and should be taken as directed by the healthcare provider [2]. Oral corticosteroids can help alleviate symptoms during an asthma attack that doesn't respond to other treatments.
• Anti-Leukotriene Drugs: Medications like montelukast (Singulair), zafirlukast (Accolate), and zileuton (Zyflo) are used to relieve asthma symptoms. They can be taken orally and help control long-term asthma [6].
• Biologics: These medications, such as allergy shots, may be recommended by healthcare providers in addition to inhaled corticosteroids for some patients [7].

Additional Treatment Options

Other treatment options include:

• Nasal Steroids: These can help reduce inflammation and prevent symptoms in the nasal passages.
• Bronchodilators: These medications can help relax airway muscles, making it easier to breathe. However, they are not typically used for long-term control of extrinsic asthma.

Statistics on Treatment Effectiveness

According to recent studies:

• Inhaled corticosteroids have a high success rate in treating extrinsic asthma, with 65% of patients experiencing relief [9].
• Oral corticosteroids can also be effective, but their use should be limited due to potential side effects.
• Anti-leukotriene drugs and bronchodilators may provide additional relief for some patients.

It's essential to consult a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for individual cases of extrinsic asthma.

Extrinsic Asthma Differential Diagnosis

Extrinsic asthma, also known as allergic or atopic asthma, is a type of asthma that starts as a type I hypersensitivity reaction to an extrinsic antigen. The differential diagnosis for extrinsic asthma includes:

• Atopic (allergic) asthma: This is the most common form of extrinsic asthma and is characterized by symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
• Occupational asthma: This type of asthma is caused by exposure to specific substances in the workplace, such as dust, chemicals, or fumes.
• Allergic rhinitis: Also known as hay fever, this condition can trigger symptoms of extrinsic asthma, such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
• Eczema (atopic dermatitis): This skin condition is often associated with extrinsic asthma and can cause symptoms such as dry, itchy skin and skin rashes.

According to [5], extrinsic asthma is usually seen in childhood with a family history of allergies. It is also more common in people who have eczema or hay fever.

In addition to these conditions, the differential diagnosis for extrinsic asthma may also include:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): This condition can cause symptoms similar to those of extrinsic asthma, such as wheezing and shortness of breath.
• Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD): This condition can trigger symptoms of extrinsic asthma, such as coughing and wheezing.

According to [8], the differential diagnosis for asthma should also include conditions such as allergic or non-allergic rhinitis, GERD, and postnasal drip syndrome.

References:

• [5] Western Differentiation: Asthma, breathlessness and wheezing​​ Extrinsic asthma: usually seen in childhood with family history of allergies; eczema, hay fever or ...
• [8] by N Ullmann · 2018 · Cited by 78 — Box 1 Differential diagnosis of asthma. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Allergic or non-allergic rhinitis. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Post ...