Is Asthma an Allergy?

Does Asthma Come from Allergies? Exploring the Causes

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by airway inflammation and narrowing, which produces symptoms of wheezing, coughing, and breathlessness.

While asthma is often associated with allergies, not all kinds of asthma come from allergic sources. To adopt a proper treatment plan, determining whether asthma is allergic or nonallergic is a crucial step. Keep reading this guide to learn the key differences, the best health insurance for asthma, management techniques and more.

What is Allergic Asthma?

Overreactivity of the immune system to particular allergens leads to allergic asthma, also known as extrinsic asthma. These could be due to factors like:

• Dust mites
• Pollen
• Pet dander
• Mould
• Particular foods

When exposed, the body makes Immunoglobulin E (IgE), which starts airway inflammation.

Depending on pollen exposure, patients sometimes have seasonal exacerbations. Starting in youth or adolescence, allergic asthma is typically linked to other allergic disorders, including eczema or allergic rhinitis.

What is Non-Allergic Asthma?

Intrinsic asthma, also known as non-allergic asthma, does not arise from outside allergens. It can result from exercise, stress, strong smells, cold air, or respiratory infections. IgE does not control the inflammatory response here.

Adults, particularly females, tend to have more severe, persistent, non-allergic asthma. Given that it does not react well to conventional allergy drugs, it can also be more difficult to control.

What are the Other Types of Asthma and Triggers?

Apart from allergic and non-allergic asthma, there can be several other types of asthma, such as:

Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB)

EIB refers to asthma symptoms triggered by physical exertion. Particularly in crisp, dry air, symptoms reach their maximum during or soon after physical activity. More at risk are people and athletes with badly controlled asthma.

Occupational Asthma

This condition is triggered by irritants like chemicals, dust, or vapours in the workplace surroundings. It is typical of people in fields including baking, painting, fabrication, or agriculture. The first thing that helps symptoms improve is the elimination of the irritant source.

Drug-Induced Asthma

Aspirin, a type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), can cause asthma attacks in certain people. This is referred to as Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD). Such situations call for close medication management and expert consultation.

Which Health Insurance is Best for Asthma? (Star Health)

With asthma needing constant attention and sometimes hospital visits, health insurance is a wise financial safety net. Even as a pre-existing condition, Star Health offers policies designed for chronic diseases and coverage for asthma:

Star Health Assure Insurance Policy

This comprehensive policy offers coverage for long-term respiratory issues, including asthma. It comprises inpatient therapy, outpatient procedures, daycare, and home treatment. Chronic disease OPD treatment has a maximum cover of ₹5,00,000 per policy period and 10% of the total insured balance.

For regular asthma flare-ups and prescription reviews, it provides cashless network coverage, home treatments, and pre-and post-hospitalization benefits.

Star Comprehensive Plan with PED Buy-Back

This scheme offers a buy-back opportunity for pre-existing diseases (PEDs), including asthma. You can lower the typical waiting period (about 2–4 years) and have early coverage using an extra premium. These methods are especially beneficial for people who have a history of asthma going back many years.

It also offers lifestyle tracking tools and symptom management, unlimited consultations, and health benefits around conception.

Super Star Plan – Short Waiting Period

The Super Star plan is set up for people with already existing chronic illnesses to waive the waiting period after only 31 days. This plan is perfect for patients with a fresh asthma diagnosis or those needing fast protection.

Additionally, it is ideal for ongoing asthma control as it provides long-term medications, diagnostic testing, and home care.

What are the Best Tips for Asthma Management?

The following are some of the best tips for asthma management:

Medical Treatment

Commonly prescribed in treatment plans are inhaled corticosteroids (such as Budesonide), long-acting beta-agonists, and rescue inhalers for quick relief. Steroids and leukotriene modifiers (e.g., Montelukast) work well for allergic asthma.

Particularly if regular inhalers do not suffice, long-term cases could call for biologics, including Omalizumab, targeting IgE pathways.

Avoiding Triggers

An allergy test helps to find particular allergen sources. Patients should stay away from cigarette smoke, dust, strong scents, and rapid temperature fluctuations. Allergenproof bedding and HEPA filters may help to lower indoor irritants.

Non-allergic asthma patients are encouraged to control infections, manage stress, and steer clear of environmental pollutants or occupational fumes.

Lifestyle Interventions

Try out the following lifestyle management tips for long-term asthma management:

• Regular monitoring of daily peak flow enables early detection of deteriorating symptoms.
• Pranayama and Buteyko’s breathing techniques increase lung performance.
• Physical activities such as swimming or yoga can enhance endurance without the onset of symptoms.

Although asthma is often connected with allergies, not every kind starts from allergic reactions. Guiding treatment depends on a precise differentiation between nonallergic and allergic asthma. Also, financial preparation, lifestyle control, and clinical therapy all make up an effective asthma treatment plan.

Selecting the correct health plan provides confidence and the availability of good care at any time required. If you need assistance choosing the best health insurance plans, contact Star Health. Our 24/7 customer service team is always there to listen to your queries and provide guidance.

Get in touch with us today!