Asthma Classification

• Classification of Asthma - 2 types of Asthma:

  • Atopic
  • Non-atopic
• Classification of Asthma - Atopic:

  • Individuals with raised Immunoglobulin E (IgE) level & specific IgE antibody response to allergen
  • Often there is a familial link
• Classification of Asthma - Non-atopic:

  • Individuals with normal IgE level & no specific response to tested allergens
• Atopic / Allergic Asthma:

  • A genetic susceptibility to produce IgE directed toward common environmental allergens
  • house dust mites
  • animal proteins
  • fungi
  • IgE sensitizes and activates mast cells lymphocytes
  • powerful inflammatory reaction
• Non-Atopic Asthma:

  • Usually developed later in adult life
  • Airways become hyper-reactive due to imbalance between parasympathetic & sympathetic responses of airways
  • The release of acetylcholine by PNS causes bronchoconstriction
  • SNS stimulates mast cells producing inflammatory response