While it’s relatively easy to recognize the signs of asthma in children, doctors warn that it’s not so clear-cut in adults. In fact, many adults develop the illness later in life but have yet to be diagnosed.
To make things worse, asthma can be more dangerous in adults and result in death more often. Studies show that this outcome is particularly true for African Americans. If you’ve been having trouble catching your breath lately, here’s what you need to know about adult-onset asthma.
Typical Signs of Asthma in Adults
The signs of asthma in adults are similar to those in children. Unfortunately, since adults can automatically have lower expiratory output, it’s not always easily detected. Still, it’s helpful to look out for the following:
- Chest tightness or pressure
- Persistent wheezing
- Persistent coughing with or without mucus
- Shortness of breath
- Lingering colds
- Coughing more at night
Regardless of how often you experience these signs, it’s always best to consult with your doctor. The best way to diagnose asthma in adults is by either doing a lung function test or a methacholine challenge test.
Bear in mind that asthma can also mimic illnesses such as heart failure, rheumatoid arthritis, stomach disorders, hiatal hernias, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Possible Causes For Developing Asthma Later in Life
All the causes of adult-onset asthma have not yet been determined but in many cases, environmental hazards have been identified as problematic. For example, construction sites or classrooms where teachers use chalk regularly. Allergies to dust, pollen, mold, chemicals, or cigarette smoke can also trigger the development of asthma.
How to Determine If You’re At Risk
Apart from being exposed to chemicals at work, persons who smoke are more at risk for asthma. Those with a history of allergies or family members with asthma are also more likely to develop asthma later in life. Other risk factors to look out for include:
- 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.