Nearly 25 million Americans have asthma, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While most people develop the condition in childhood, adult-onset asthma is also possible.
In fact, asthma symptoms can develop at any age and stage of life. Some people who have asthma as children experience less and less frequent flare-ups as they get older, while others do not experience their first flare-up of the condition until well into adulthood. Hormonal changes or new exposures to an asthma trigger can set off the condition for the first time in adults.
Dr. Chioma Udemgba, an allergist at the University Health Allergy & Asthma – Babcock clinic, shares how you can recognize the symptoms of adult-onset asthma and how you can manage them.
Causes of Adult-Onset Asthma
“If you never had asthma as a child, in most cases, adult-onset asthma is caused by some type of allergen, such as mold, dust mites or even your pets,” said Dr. Udemgba.
As many as 30% of all adult-onset asthma cases are associated with.
Other cases of asthma in adults are triggered by irritants within your home or work environment. These irritants can include cigarette smoke, chemicals or strong scents and fragrances.
“In women, hormonal fluctuations can contribute to the development of adult-onset asthma,” Dr. Udemgba added. “This means that they may develop asthma during or after or following menopause.”
Symptoms of Adult-Onset Asthma
Asthma causes the airways to narrow, swell and produce extra mucus. When this happens, you may experience many different symptoms.
The most common ways that people feel asthma flares include:
- Chest tightness
- Chest pressure
- Difficulty catching your breath
- Dry, repetitive coughing
- Shortness of breath, particularly after being physically active
- Wheezing in your chest or throat when you exhale
Dr. Udemgba also mentioned those who have adult-onset asthma may also find it more difficult to recover after seemingly minor viruses, such as the common cold. “Colds and other viruses may be more likely to move into the chest and linger, causing coughing and other symptoms to flare up,” she said.
While asthma may come and go during childhood, it’s more likely to persist in adults. This makes it important to take steps to manage the condition.
Learn more about asthma care at University Health.
Managing Asthma Attacks
An asthma attack is a sudden worsening of symptoms, often brought on by triggers like airborne allergens, viral infections or vigorous exercise.
You may experience symptoms like:
- Sudden chest tightening
- Excessive wheezing
- Difficulty breathing
- Uncontrollable coughing spells
It can be scary to have your first asthma attack as an adult. Here are some tips to manage it:
- Try to stay calm
- Inhale warm humidifier air
- Use your quick-relief medication, like albuterol (inhaler)
- Sit upright to keep your airways open
- Seek care early if you aren't feeling better after trying different treatments
- Call 911 if you don’t have a rescue inhaler or if your symptoms don’t improve after using your fast-acting medication
After an asthma attack, write down the date and time that it occurred and any potential triggers that could have set it off. Be sure to tell your provider at your next appointment.
Treating Adult-Onset Asthma
If you believe you may have asthma, your medical provider will likely talk with you about your symptoms, conduct a physical exam and perform a.
Depending on your symptoms and how severe they are, treatment may include a combination of methods, like medication and lifestyle changes. Your provider may prescribe medications to prevent and relieve symptoms when you experience an asthma flare-up or attack.
Medication Options
When it comes to treating asthma with medication, you have a few options, all of which your provider will discuss with you. “Some provide long-term control while others are fast-acting or emergency medications,” said Dr. Udemgba. “You will likely get a combination of both.”
Your may also depend on your asthma triggers, like pollen or other seasonal allergens.
Control Medication
Some medications are designed to reduce the inflammation in your airways and prevent asthma attacks from occurring. These medications are referred to as “controller” medications and are usually taken every day for as long as you have asthma.
An inhaled corticosteroid is most commonly prescribed as the first-line treatment. It is very important to continue to take this medication every day as prescribed, even if you are feeling well and don't have any active asthma symptoms.
Quick-Relief Medication
If you’re experiencing a sudden onset of symptoms, like an asthma attack or flare, it’s crucial to have quick-relief medication on hand. This is often in the form of a rescue inhaler, like albuterol. New medical treatment guidelines also support the use of a special type of controller inhaler to help with treating flares, like the combination inhaler budesonide-formoterol.
Lifestyle Changes
In addition to taking certain medications, your provider may also recommend lifestyle changes, including smoking cessation.
“If you smoke or reducing your exposures to allergens in your environment. Your provider or an allergist can help you determine a strategy for and improving your quality of life.
Other lifestyle changes may include:
- Identifying and avoiding asthma triggers
- Using an air purifier at home and/or work
- Reducing mold and dust in your home by replacing air filters frequently
Asthma Care at University Health
If you feel like you could have adult-onset asthma, don’t wait. Call 210-644-3700 to learn more about scheduling an appointment at the University Health Allergy & Asthma – Babcock clinic.
Dr. Chioma Udemgba and the pulmonology team at the Allergy & Asthma clinic specialize in environmental allergy testing and asthma management.
Community Resources
Whether you receive care from us or not, you can find community resources related to asthma care through our Institute for Public Health.
Call us to schedule an appointment at our Allergy & Asthma – Babcock clinic.
