What is the difference between atopic and nonatopic asthma?

When most people think of asthma, they think of people struggling to breathe and puffing on an inhaler. Whilst this is how asthma plays out for many people, the causes of asthma can be different.

Atopic Asthma
Allergic asthma is the most common type of asthma. Also known as atopic asthma, it is triggered by exposure to allergens like pet dander, dust, pollen, or certain foods. Your immune system registers these substances as harmful and tries to combat them, creating the symptoms experienced during an asthma attack.

Some causes of atopic asthma include:

  • Pet dander
  • Dust mites
  • Pollen
  • Certain foods

Non-Atopic Asthma
Non-atopic asthma, or non-allergic asthma, is a much rarer form of asthma that isn’t caused by being exposed to something you are allergic to. It usually doesn’t develop until later in life and affects women more often than men.

No one really knows what makes a person develop non-atopic asthma. Some potential causes of non-atopic asthma are thought to be:

  • Extreme heat, humidity, or cold
  • Smoke
  • Stress
  • Chemicals, fumes, and fragrances
  • Overexertion
  • Air pollution
  • Respiratory conditions 

Risk Factors for Asthma
The research is still ongoing as to what causes some people to develop asthma. However, there have been studies that show there are risk factors that make someone more likely to have asthma. For instance:

  • Having a family history of asthma
  • Experiencing a respiratory illness during infancy and childhood
  • Repeated exposure to smoke or occupational chemicals
  • Being obese

Asthma Treatment
How your asthma presents depends on what triggers it. The most common asthma symptoms are wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain or tightness. Whatever the cause, many asthmatics treat their condition with inhalers. Inhalers can either be preventative or can be reliever inhalers that are used for acute attacks.

Salbutamol: Salbutamol inhalers, brand name Ventolin, are classified as reliever inhalers, designed to be used for immediate relief for sudden symptoms of asthma and COPD.

Clenil Inhaler
: Clenil Inhalers are preventative inhalers for people who suffer from persistent breathing difficulties. It is used on a regular basis to prevent asthma and respiratory symptoms.

Whether you have atopic or non-atopic asthma, you can treat your symptoms with asthma medications available from Pharmacy Planet. Visit to buy Salbutamol, Ventolin, and Clenil Inhalers online in the UK