- Being obese
- Being female
- Having chronic heartburn with reflux
- Experiencing hormonal changes associated with menopause or pregnancy
- Taking estrogen for at least 10 years
When these risks are combined with the signs listed above, it’s a definite indication that you should talk to your doctor.
Potential Treatment Options For Adult-Onset Asthma
The treatment option that you may be given will depend on the level of asthma with which you have been diagnosed. Currently, there are four levels and they have distinct treatment protocols. Mild intermittent asthma is the least serious and doesn’t require long-term treatment. The second level is mild persistent asthma while the third is moderate persistent asthma. Both of these types of asthma will require treatment.
With the last level, severe persistent asthma, lung function is significantly affected. In that case, you would expect to be prescribed a detailed treatment plan.
Once diagnosed with asthma, doctors usually develop a treatment plan that includes a combination of medication as well as lifestyle changes. Examples of lifestyle changes could include giving up smoking, modifying the home environment to reduce allergens, or using protective gear at work so your asthma isn’t triggered.
With regards to prescribed medications, adults with asthma may receive different types of bronchodilators or corticosteroids. Depending on what works well to control your asthma, you may receive medication that is specifically for use during an attack as well as those that are for daily use.
It’s important to note that there are possible complications when treating asthma in adults. The medications that have little to no side effects in children can have significant negative implications in adults. For example, the steroids that are meant to help with inflammation in asthma can also make osteoporosis, glaucoma, and cataracts worse.
Identifying the signs of adult-onset asthma can be tricky but not impossible. If you’re experiencing anything listed here or have the risk factors, get to your doctor as soon as possible.