Asthma affects over 21 million people over the age of 18 in the United States. Some people who had asthma as children may have fewer flare-ups as they age, while others experience asthma for the first time as an adult. Although asthma is a serious disease, the symptoms can be managed so that you can lead an active, healthy life.
What Is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects the bronchial tubes, the airways that carry air in and out of your lungs. Asthma causes these airways to become inflamed and narrowed. During an asthma flare-up, you may have lower blood oxygen levels because the condition reduces your ability to take in oxygen, creating breathing problems. You may also experience wheezing, chest tightness and coughing.
What Causes Adult-Onset Asthma?
In some cases, people may develop adult-onset asthma as a result of exposure to a new trigger in the environment. Triggers that may cause this include chemical fumes, pet hair, pollen, mold, air pollution, certain insects and other allergens. In other cases, an upper respiratory infection can create asthma symptoms in adults.
Other risk factors for developing adult-onset asthma may include:
- Being overweight
- For women, estrogen treatments or hormonal changes created by pregnancy or menopause
- Having allergies
- Smoking or vaping
- Working in an environment with a lot of allergens
Adult-Onset Asthma Symptoms
Adults with asthma may experience many of the same symptoms that children do. However, adult-onset asthma is associated with more respiratory symptoms and higher medication use, and symptoms that are persistent rather than coming and going.
The most common symptoms of asthma in adults include:
- Frequent or chronic coughing, especially at night and early morning
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness or pain
- Waking at night due to asthma symptoms
There are two types of asthma that are more common in adults than in children:
- Eosinophilic asthma, which is when there are high levels of eosinophils (allergic white blood cells) in the airways of the lung and in the blood
- Aspirin-sensitive asthma (aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease/AERD), which is when asthma is triggered by taking aspirin
How Adult-Onset Asthma Is Diagnosed
If you have breathing problems, you may decide to see your primary care doctor initially, to rule out conditions like a cold or a respiratory infection. If necessary, your primary care physician can refer you to a pulmonologist.
Pulmonologists are experts in diagnosing and treating diseases of the respiratory system, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, lung cancer, tuberculosis, and other lung conditions and diseases.
When to See a Pulmonologist
How do you know if seeing a pulmonologist is right for you? If your respiratory issues linger, for example you have a longstanding cough or you experience shortness of breath while walking or going up a flight of stairs, you may want to seek the care of a pulmonologist.
The pulmonologist will listen to your chest with a stethoscope, take a detailed medical history, and perform a physical exam, with an emphasis on evaluating the throat and upper airway. Based on their assessment, they may prescribe medications, or in some cases, order additional tests or procedures. There is not one single test for determining asthma.
Asthma tests may include:
- Pulmonary function tests
- Allergy tests and blood work
- CT scan
- Sleep studies
Treatment of Adult-Onset Asthma
There is no cure for asthma. Asthma treatment involves reducing or eliminating exposure to asthma triggers and using medications that help open the airways and soothe inflammation. Medications include inhalers, pills, and injectables. Inhalers come in two types: quick-relief inhalers that control asthma attack symptoms, and long-term control inhalers that help you have fewer and milder attacks.
Asthma triggers to avoid include:
- Respiratory viruses such as colds, sinus infections and flu
- Cigarette smoke, air pollution and other irritants
- Pollen and other outdoor allergens
- Mold, pet dander, dust mites and other indoor allergens
- Cold air or sudden changes in temperature
- Pests like cockroaches and mice
- Cleaners or disinfectants
According to the American Lung Association, weight loss may also help reduce the symptoms of asthma. This might be because fat tissue produces inflammatory substances that can affect the lungs.
Speak to your healthcare provider about creating an asthma action plan. Know the signs and symptoms of asthma, identify your triggers, and develop strategies for avoiding them. With the proper treatment, it is possible to manage your asthma symptoms and live a healthy life.
More to Read
- How are Allergies and Asthma Connected?
- Should You See a Pulmonologist?
- COPD and Allergies
- When Is Allergy Season? That Depends on Your Allergy
Medically reviewed by Peter Olivieri, III, MD.
