Increased asthma exacerbations during stressful times at school is most closely associated with which type of asthma?

Increased asthma exacerbations during stressful times at school are most closely associated with intrinsic asthma. This type of asthma is not linked to specific allergens or environmental triggers but is often influenced by psychological factors, including stress and emotions. An individual's stress response can lead to bronchoconstriction and airway inflammation, which exacerbate asthma symptoms.

Intrinsic asthma can be differentiated from other types because it can be triggered by non-allergic factors such as exercise, weather changes, respiratory infections, and emotional stress. In a school environment, where stress levels might fluctuate due to academic pressures or social interactions, individuals with intrinsic asthma may experience more frequent exacerbations.

While allergic asthma is closely linked to specific allergens (like pollen or dust mites), and extrinsic asthma involves environmental triggers, intrinsic asthma primarily revolves around the body's own responses, including stress, which makes it particularly relevant in situations like school where these stressors can peak. Childhood asthma, while a category that may overlap with intrinsic causes, does not specifically address the connection to stress as a triggering factor in exacerbations.