• Extrinsic or atopic asthma is considered an allergic condition, where the immune system abnormally responds to allergens or antigens. Some extrinsic triggers include; pollens, animal dander, hair and saliva, dust mites, mold, foods (nuts, dairy, corn, citrus, wheat, yeast), food additives (dyes, preservatives, sulfites, MSG), or drugs (NSAIDs, aspirin).
  
  

• Intrinsic asthma is non-allergenic and due to triggers such as toxic chemicals, climate (cold air, poor air quality), exercise, infection, nutritional deficiencies, infection (upper respiratory colds or flu), fumes (cigarette smoke, perfume, air pollutants, car fumes) or emotional stress. In both extrinsic and intrinsic asthma, the immune system reacts to an asthma-provoking trigger by releasing histamine and other chemicals that produce constriction, inflammation, and spasm in the respiratory tract.

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