Adult-Onset Asthma Treatment
Adult-onset asthma is a condition characterized by the development of asthma symptoms in individuals who were previously asthma-free in their adult years.
What is Adult-Onset Asthma?
Adult-onset asthma refers to the onset of asthma symptoms in individuals, typically after the age of 20, who have not previously experienced asthma during childhood. It is crucial for adults experiencing symptoms to seek medical evaluation and diagnosis, as effective management and treatment options are available to help control and improve their respiratory health.
What Are Symptoms of Adult-Onset Asthma?
Adult-onset asthma symptoms can fluctuate in intensity and frequency. Here are some of the most common symptoms of adult-onset asthma:
Shortness of Breath
A common symptom characterized by difficulty breathing and a feeling of not getting enough air
Wheezing
High-pitched, whistling sounds while breathing, commonly associated with asthma due to narrowed airways
Coughing
Frequent coughing, especially at night or in the early morning, is a classic asthma symptom
Chest Tightness
A sensation of pressure or constriction in the chest often associated with asthma, making breathing uncomfortable
Chest Pain
Discomfort or aching in the chest, which can occur during an asthma attack but may also have other causes
Chest Heaviness
A sense of weight or pressure in the chest, typically linked to asthma symptoms
Chest Squeezing
A gripping or constricting feeling in the chest, often experienced during an asthma attack
Decreased Endurance with Sports
A reduction in physical stamina and athletic performance due to asthma-related limitations
What Causes Asthma in Adults?
It’s important to note that the specific cause of adult-onset asthma can vary from person to person, and it often results from a combination of factors. Some of the most common causes of adult-onset asthma are listed below:
- Environmental allergies
- Exposure to smoke
- Pollution
- Eosinophilic phenotype
- Chronic sinusitis
- Adenoid hypertrophy
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Diagnosing & Treating Asthma in Adults
Medical History & Physical Exam
Gathering a thorough medical history and conducting a comprehensive physical examination are pivotal steps in diagnosing and managing adult onset asthma effectively.
Diagnostic Testing
Your medical provider will conduct pulmonary function tests including spirometry, lung volumes, and DLCO and fractional exhaled nitric oxide as diagnostics tests for asthma. If necessary, additional testing, such as a chest x-ray or a methacholine challenge may also be obtained.
Treatment
Asthma treatment recommendations will be determined based on the level of severity of your diagnosis.
Testing for Asthma in New Jersey
Adult On-set Asthma Treatment in New Jersey
How to Treat Adult Onset Asthma?
Adult Onset Asthma FAQs
Adult-onset asthma is diagnosed in individuals who are generally over the age of 20 and develop onset asthma symptoms in adulthood. This can be due to a variety of reasons including allergies, exposure to smoke, pollution, and more.
Adult-onset asthma is diagnosed through pulmonary function tests including spirometry, lung volumes, and DLCO that measure how well the lungs are working.
If you’re displaying signs of asthma, including but not limited to, shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing, or wheezing, contact a medical provider at Impact Medical to set up a diagnosis assessment for adult-onset asthma.
