Most people with asthma first experience symptoms in childhood, but adults can also develop this lung condition at a later age. Proper management of asthma is crucial to prevent more serious health effects, which often involves inhaled medications and other treatments.
Adult-onset asthma tends to be more severe than asthma that develops during childhood. For instance, symptoms in adults often occur repeatedly, whereas the same symptoms may affect children intermittently. Also, asthma that occurs during adulthood can cause a more rapid decrease in lung function. These health effects highlight the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment when symptoms arise.
Regardless of when asthma originates, the lung condition is associated with the following symptoms:
These symptoms call for immediate medical assessment, as asthma can cause serious, sometimes life-threatening, health effects.
It’s not entirely clear what causes asthma in adults. However, certain risk factors can increase your chances of developing the lung condition:
Flare-ups of asthma can also result from certain triggers, such as cigarette smoke, pollen, and mould, among other substances.
Inhaled medications are the first line of treatment for all forms of asthma. This includes drugs called bronchodilators, which can offer immediate relief or be used on a regular basis to control asthma symptoms. Additionally, you may be prescribed corticosteroids to help decrease swelling within the lungs. Most people with adult-onset asthma benefit from a combination of fast-acting and long-acting medications when it comes to controlling symptoms.
Along with medication, the following steps can help reduce the frequency and severity of asthma symptoms:
With the right treatment and lifestyle changes, it is possible to lead a full and happy life with adult-onset asthma.