Most people with asthma first experience symptoms during childhood. However, the respiratory condition can also affect adults, which is known as late-onset or adult-onset asthma. Here is what you should know about asthma symptoms in adults.
Asthma causes the airways to swell and become restricted, which leads to shortness of breath, wheezing, and other symptoms. It is not fully clear why some people do not experience issues until they are older, but the following risk factors could play a role:
Additionally, some adults develop asthma symptoms after a major viral infection that impacts the respiratory system, such as the flu.
The same treatments that work for childhood asthma can also help adults with the condition. Your doctor can prescribe rescue inhalers to help with acute asthma attacks, while maintenance inhalers help decrease the frequency and severity of subsequent attacks.
Also, understanding and avoiding common asthma triggers can be helpful for adults. While every case is different, the following triggers have shown to be an issue for lots of asthma sufferers:
Is Late-Onset Asthma Treated Differently Than Childhood Asthma?
The same treatments that work for childhood asthma can also help adults with the condition. Your doctor can prescribe rescue inhalers to help with acute asthma attacks, while maintenance inhalers help decrease the frequency and severity of subsequent attacks.
Also, understanding and avoiding common asthma triggers can be helpful for adults. While every case is different, the following triggers have shown to be an issue for lots of asthma sufferers:
Along with medication, avoiding specific triggers can help you lessen attacks and stop more serious complications from occurring.