A chronic respiratory disease, asthma affects more than 300 million individuals globally.  Although wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing are common symptoms of asthma, not all cases are the same.  Asthma can actually take many distinct forms, and figuring out which one you have is crucial to properly managing it.

Knowing the many types of asthma and the best treatment options, such as over-the-counter (OTC) inhalers or Asthalin inhalers, can significantly improve your quality of life, regardless of how long you've had the condition.

1. Allergic Asthma

Allergic asthma, also called extrinsic asthma, is the most common type. It is triggered by allergens like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mold.

Symptoms:

• Sneezing and nasal congestion

• Wheezing and shortness of breath

• Coughing after exposure to allergens

Treatment: Antihistamines and avoiding known allergies can be beneficial.  For prompt symptom relief, doctors frequently recommend bronchodilators such the Asthalin inhaler.  Additionally, long-term control drugs can be required.

2. Non-Allergic Asthma

Unlike allergic asthma, non-allergic asthma is triggered by irritants rather than allergens. Triggers may include:

• Cold air

• Smoke

• Strong odors

• Air pollution

Symptoms are similar but may be more persistent or severe in polluted environments.

Treatment: The first line of defence is frequently inhalers.  Even while prescription drugs are widely used, many patients, particularly those with minor symptoms, turn to over-the-counter inhalers for rapid relief.  Before utilising over-the-counter remedies for an extended period of time, it's crucial to speak with your doctor.

3. Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB)

Physical exercise can aggravate this type of asthma, particularly in dry or cold weather.  At rest, you might feel OK, but during or soon after exercise, you might start to experience symptoms.

Common Signs:

• Shortness of breath during workouts

• Chest tightness 5–10 minutes after exercise

• Coughing during recovery

Treatment: Symptoms can be avoided by using a rescue inhaler, such as Asthalin, fifteen minutes prior to exercise.  If the disease continues, long-term control drugs might be necessary.

4. Cough-Variant Asthma

Not all asthmatics experience wheezing.  The sole sign of cough-variant asthma is a persistent, dry cough.  Because of this, it is more difficult to diagnose and frequently confused with acid reflux, postnasal drip, or allergies.

Diagnosis: Spirometry and a trial of asthma medications usually confirm the condition.

Treatment: The Asthalin inhaler is one example of an inhaled bronchodilator that may be beneficial.  Leukotriene modifiers or corticosteroids may be necessary for persistent instances.

5. Occupational Asthma

Occupational asthma develops due to exposure to irritants in the workplace. It is common among factory workers, healthcare providers, farmers, and cleaners.

Triggers Include:

• Chemical fumes

• Dust

• Industrial pollutants

Management: The important thing is to stay away from the trigger.  It's also crucial to talk to your employer about workplace modifications and use a bronchodilator.  While professional diagnosis and treatment are recommended, some workers find relief with over-the-counter or emergency inhalers.

6. Nocturnal Asthma

This kind frequently interferes with sleep because it flares up at night.  Nighttime symptoms may be exacerbated by resting flat, greater exposure to indoor allergens, or a reduction in body temperature.

Symptoms:

• Nighttime coughing

• Trouble sleeping

• Fatigue the next day

Treatment: It is necessary to modify asthma treatment in order to manage symptoms at night.  Attacks that occur at night are frequently treated with a fast-acting inhaler, such as the Asthalin inhaler.

7. Severe Asthma

Although severe asthma affects only a small percentage of people, it can be fatal.  It frequently doesn't react well to common drugs and needs specialised treatment.

Common Characteristics:

• Frequent hospital visits

• Multiple asthma triggers

• Constant need for high-dose inhalers or oral steroids

Treatment: Biologic injections, inhalers, and lifestyle modifications are all part of customised therapy regimens.  Although stronger alternatives are frequently required, asthalin can still be used as a rescue inhaler.

The Role of Inhalers in Asthma Treatment

Inhalers are essential in treating nearly all types of asthma. There are two main types:

• Rescue Inhalers (e.g., Asthalin Inhaler): Provide fast relief by relaxing the muscles around the airways.

• Maintenance Inhalers: Used daily to control inflammation and prevent symptoms.

Particularly in nations where laws permit it, some persons with moderate asthma could feel pressured to self-treat using an over-the-counter inhaler.  These can conceal severe symptoms and are not a replacement for prescription drugs, even though they could provide temporary relief.

Final Thoughts

Knowing what kind of asthma you have is essential to choosing the best course of action.  Targeted treatment, frequently with the use of inhalers like the OTC inhaler, can help you lead a healthier, more active life, regardless of whether your symptoms are brought on by allergies, exercise, or your workplace.

Even though over-the-counter inhalers might seem like a simple solution, you should always speak with your doctor to be sure you're taking the safest and best medicine for your situation.