From the Guidelines
Intrinsic asthma is a type of asthma that is characterized by its intrinsic intensity of the disease process, which is not triggered by external allergic factors, but rather by internal factors such as respiratory infections, exercise, or stress. According to the expert panel report 3 (EPR-3) guidelines for the diagnosis and management of asthma, severity is defined as the intrinsic intensity of the disease process, which can be measured in a patient who is not receiving long-term control therapy 1. Intrinsic asthma typically develops later in life and is not associated with elevated IgE antibody levels or positive skin tests for allergens.
Key Characteristics of Intrinsic Asthma
- Develops without identifiable external allergic triggers
- Caused by internal factors such as respiratory infections, exercise, cold air, stress, or certain medications
- Typically develops later in life, often after age 30
- Not associated with elevated IgE antibody levels or positive skin tests for allergens
Treatment and Management
Treatment for intrinsic asthma follows standard asthma management protocols, including rescue inhalers for acute symptoms and controller medications to reduce airway inflammation 1. The goal of treatment is to minimize symptoms, prevent exacerbations, and improve quality of life. Regular follow-up with healthcare providers is essential to adjust treatment as needed based on symptom control. Management focuses on avoiding known personal triggers, maintaining good respiratory health, and adhering to medication regimens.
Assessment and Monitoring
Assessment of asthma severity and control is crucial in managing intrinsic asthma, as it guides decisions for initiating and adjusting therapy 1. The expert panel report 3 (EPR-3) guidelines emphasize the importance of assessing severity to initiate therapy and control to adjust therapy. The level of asthma control will guide decisions either to maintain or to adjust therapy, and regular monitoring of asthma control is necessary to ensure optimal management of intrinsic asthma.
From the Research
Definition of Intrinsic Asthma
- Intrinsic asthma is not explicitly defined in the provided studies, but it can be inferred that it refers to a type of asthma that is not triggered by allergens or external factors, but rather by internal factors such as respiratory infections or hormonal changes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Characteristics of Intrinsic Asthma
- Intrinsic asthma is often associated with chronic inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness, which can be treated with inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) and long-acting beta2-agonists (LABAs) 2, 3, 4.
- The combination of ICSs and LABAs has been shown to be effective in achieving asthma control and improving lung function, symptom-free days, and quality of life 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Treatment Options for Intrinsic Asthma
- Inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) are considered the cornerstone of asthma therapy and are effective in reducing airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness 3, 4.
- Long-acting beta2-agonists (LABAs) can be used as add-on therapy to ICSs to improve lung function and symptom control 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The combination of ICSs and LABAs has been shown to be more effective than either therapy alone in achieving asthma control and improving quality of life 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.