What Type of Asthma Do You Have?
Your asthma is as unique as you are. Understanding your specific asthma type is crucial for effective treatment. At Advanced Asthma Clinic, we identify your asthma endotype—the biological mechanism driving your symptoms—and create a treatment plan that targets it precisely.
The Major Asthma Types
Type 2-High (TH2) Asthma
Signs you might have Type 2-High asthma:
- Allergies to pollen, dust mites, or pet dander
- Symptoms that worsen during allergy season
- Nasal polyps or chronic sinusitis
- Good response to inhaled steroids
- Blood test showing elevated eosinophils (a type of white blood cell)
- Elevated Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO), measured via lung function testing
Type 2-High asthma involves specific immune cells called T-helper 2 (TH2) cells and chemicals they produce, particularly interleukins IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13. These drive inflammation in your airways and cause many common asthma symptoms. The most prevalent subtype is eosinophilic asthma, characterised by elevated eosinophil levels in the blood and airways. Allergic asthma — triggered by specific allergens like dust mites, pollen, and pet dander — is another major Type 2-High phenotype and often overlaps with eosinophilic disease.
Breakthrough Treatment Alert: Most of today's biologic therapies specifically target Type 2-High asthma mechanisms!
Non-Type 2 (Non-TH2) Asthma
Signs you might have Non-Type 2 asthma:
- Adult-onset asthma
- Less response to traditional inhaled steroids
- Few or no allergies
- Symptoms triggered by exercise, stress, or irritants (like smoke or pollution) — learn more about common asthma triggers
- Normal or low levels of eosinophils and FeNO
Non-Type 2 asthma involves different inflammatory pathways, often including neutrophils (another type of white blood cell) and various immune signals like IL-17.
Breakthrough Treatment Alert: Our clinic offers innovative research treatments specifically for Non-Type 2 asthma, an area where traditional treatments often fall short.
Mixed or Unclear Asthma Types
Many patients have features of multiple asthma types, or their asthma type changes over time. Our advanced testing can identify these complex patterns and help design the most effective treatment strategy. Whatever your asthma type, working with your doctor to create a personalized asthma action plan ensures you know exactly how to manage daily symptoms and handle flare-ups.
When Your Asthma Becomes Severe
Regardless of type, some patients develop severe asthma that resists standard controller medications. If you experience frequent flare-ups, emergency visits, or daily symptoms despite using your inhalers correctly, advanced treatment options may help. Learn about severe asthma treatment options →
Nighttime Symptoms and Asthma Type
Many asthma types cause symptoms that worsen at night — a pattern called nocturnal asthma. If you regularly wake up coughing, wheezing, or short of breath, understanding your asthma type can help target the specific inflammatory pathways responsible for your nighttime symptoms. Learn about nocturnal asthma →
Pediatric Asthma
Asthma is the most common chronic disease in children, and the majority of cases are allergic in nature. Symptoms can appear as early as infancy, though a definitive diagnosis is often made around age 5-6 when children can perform lung function testing. South Florida's year-round pollen, mold, and dust mite exposure make childhood asthma particularly challenging to manage. With the right treatment plan — including proper inhaler technique, school action plans, and targeted therapy — most children with asthma lead fully active lives. Learn about pediatric asthma →
Adult-Onset Asthma
Asthma is not just a childhood condition. Many adults develop asthma for the first time in their 30s, 40s, or later — often with different patterns and triggers than childhood-onset asthma. Adult-onset asthma tends to be more persistent, less allergy-driven, and may require more aggressive treatment from the start. Learn about adult-onset asthma →
Cough-Variant Asthma
Not all asthma announces itself with wheezing. In cough-variant asthma, a persistent dry cough is the only symptom — making it one of the most frequently misdiagnosed forms of the disease. If you have had a cough lasting more than eight weeks that has not responded to antibiotics or cough suppressants, CVA could be the cause. Learn about cough-variant asthma →
Occupational Asthma
Occupational asthma is caused by inhaling fumes, gases, dust, or other substances in the workplace. It accounts for an estimated 15-25% of new adult asthma cases and is common in construction, healthcare, hospitality, and agricultural workers — all significant industries in South Florida. Early diagnosis and exposure reduction are critical, as patients identified within the first year have the best chance of recovery. Learn about occupational asthma →
Asthma and Pregnancy
Asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions to complicate pregnancy, affecting 4-8% of expectant mothers. The "rule of thirds" applies: roughly one-third of women improve, one-third stay the same, and one-third experience worsening symptoms. Uncontrolled asthma during pregnancy poses far greater risks to mother and baby than the medications used to manage it — making specialist-guided care essential. Learn about asthma and pregnancy →
Asthma and GERD (Acid Reflux)
Up to 75% of adults with difficult-to-control asthma also have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The relationship is bidirectional: acid reflux triggers airway constriction through vagal nerve reflexes and microaspiration, while asthma medications and breathing mechanics can worsen reflux. If your asthma flares after meals, worsens when lying down, or resists standard inhaler therapy, GERD may be a hidden factor. Learn about asthma and GERD →