…these problems and possible asthma. Just 65 percent knew that a persistent cough could be a sign of asthma. And only about half knew that chest pain and trouble sleeping could also be symptoms of asthma, the survey revealed.
READ: Asthma & Exercise: 3 Things You Absolutely Should Do To Stay Safe
When a doctor makes a diagnosis of asthma in people older than age 20, it is known as adult-onset asthma.
Among those who may be more likely to get adult-onset asthma are:
– Women who are having hormonal changes, such as those who are pregnant or who are experiencing menopause
– Women who take estrogen following menopause for 10 years or longer
– People who have just had certain viruses or illnesses, such as a cold or flu
– People with allergies, especially to cats
– People who have GERD, a type of chronic heartburn with reflux
– People who are exposed to environmental irritants, such as tobacco smoke, mold, dust, feather beds, or perfume
“It’s not rare that your asthma doesn’t present like the textbook. It’s actually more common than most people realize. To the patient or perhaps the primary care provider, things that seem like a very unusual set of symptoms for asthma are actually quite common. That is why you often need a specialist to diagnose and treat it,” Beuther said in a hospital news release.