Allergic Asthma Information Types of Asthma Type of Asthma Definition Triggers Prevalence Allergic Asthma Characterized by airway obstruction associated with allergies and triggered by substances called allergens.   Airborne pollens Molds Animal dander House dust mites Cockroach droppings Allergic asthma accounts for nearly 60% of all asthma cases. Non-Allergic Asthma Caused by viral infections, certain medications or irritants found in the air, that aggravate the nose and airways.  Airborne particles (e.g., coal, chalk dust) Air pollutant (e.g., tobacco smoke, wood smoke) Strong odors or sprays (e.g., perfumes, household cleaners, cooking fumes, paints or varnishes) Viral infection (e.g., colds, viral pneumonia, sinusitis, nasal polyps) Aspirin-sensitivity Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) About one-third of all asthma sufferers have non-allergic asthma.   Exercise-Induced Asthma (EIA) Triggered by vigorous physical activity. Symptoms of EIA occur to varying degrees in a majority of asthma sufferers and are likely to be triggered as a result of breathing cold, dry air while exercising.   Breathing airborne pollens during exercise Breathing air pollutants during exercise Exercising with viral respiratory tract infections Exercising in cold, dry air. Exercise can cause symptoms in up to 80% of people with asthma. 35-40% of people with seasonal allergies also have EIA and symptoms worsen during the spring and fall. Occupational Asthma   This type of asthma is directly related to inhaling irritants and other potentially harmful substances found in the workplace. Fumes Chemicals Gases Resins Metals Dusts and vapors Insecticides As many as 15% of all asthma cases in the U.S. have work-related causes. Occupational asthma is the most prevalent work-related lung disease in developed countries.   Nocturnal Asthma   Also known as sleep-related asthma, this type of asthma occurs when a person is sleeping regardless of the time of day. However, symptoms worsen between midnight and 4 a.m.   Temperature changes in the body Allergen exposure in the bedroom Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Low circulation of adrenal gland hormones Delayed reactions to allergens exposed to during the day Nocturnal asthma occurs in as many as 75% of asthma patients.