Gailen Marshall, President of the American College of Allergy, stated that there are various types of asthma, each vastly different from the other. For those not affected by asthma, it may come as a surprise to learn that these types are so distinct they are defined by different triggers.
"May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month – the ideal time to get the word out on the different types of asthma, as well as the different triggers and treatments," said Marshall. "That's why we put together individual care plans for each of our patients to make sure their symptoms are being addressed and controlled. Allergists are specialists in treating asthma."
According to the American College of Allergy, there are many types of asthma that remain unknown to most people. One such type is Adult-Onset Asthma. This condition affects adults who have unknowingly avoided their triggers for years and do not experience symptoms until later in life. Triggers could include exposure to certain chemicals in college or moving in with a roommate who owns a pet. Another form of asthma is Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB). EIB is characterized by narrowed airways due to exercise. While EIB can affect individuals without asthma, it impacts 90% of those diagnosed with the condition.
The American College of Allergy also identifies several other types of asthma. Occupational Asthma affects individuals exposed to certain fumes typically found in work environments. The triggers for this type of asthma are diverse and can include grain and flour dust, latex gloves, wood pieces, animals, and even insects. The most common type is Allergic Asthma which affects both children and adults and is triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander. Determining susceptibility to asthma may involve consulting specially trained allergists or examining family medical history to better understand potential triggers.
According to the Southern Society for Clinical Investigation, Dr Marshall received his PhD in immunology and MD from the University of Texas. His research interests include discovering and developing approaches for patients with inflammatory diseases and studying physiological stress factors on human immune responses. With over 200 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters under his belt, Marshall continues his career focusing on small minorities of asthmatic patients aiming to improve their quality of life through his work.
