“The majority of asthma cases are diagnosed in childhood, about 75%,” says Kanao Otsu, MD, MPH, an allergist and immunologist and assistant professor in the department of medicine, division of allergy and clinical immunology at National Jewish Health. “Early onset asthma begins before the age of 7, but asthma can happen at any age.” According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, you may have been able to avoid a trigger for your asthma throughout your life, but then when you finally get exposed, say to the chemicals in that new perfume, your symptoms suddenly appear. Also, you may get a simple viral infection, but after most of your symptoms clear up, your cough sticks around—that infection may have triggered your asthma.
Adult-Onset Asthma Symptoms
Dry cough, especially at nightTightness or pressure in the chestWheezing—a whistling sound—when exhalingShortness of breath after exercise or physical exertionDifficulty breathingColds that go to the chest or linger for 10 days or more
What Causes Adult-Onset Asthma?
Smoking does not cause adult-onset asthma; however, if you smoke or if you are exposed to second-hand smoke, it may provoke asthma symptoms. Another time in your life that you may find yourself dealing with adult-onset asthma: at perimenopause. “We think this is because there is a link involving the hormonal changes women go through at that time in their lives,” says Otsu. Also, the effect of being significantly overweight can put pressure on your body as well, resulting in adult-onset asthma. “We find too that a condition such as obesity can be present in many new diagnoses of adult-onset asthma, especially if you don’t smoke, and can cause your symptoms to worsen,” Otsu continues.
An Adult-Onset Asthma Diagnosis: What Now?
So what do you do if you think you may be dealing with asthma for the first time in your life? First, see your PCP to rule any other lung problems, such as COPD, or other health issues. “It’s so important if you have symptoms that you may have had your whole life, but never got checked out, that you do go to the doctor to see if you have asthma,” says Otsu. “You might have adult-onset asthma. But it might also be that you’ve always had asthma, and you simply didn’t know you had it. There are very effective treatments that can help relieve your symptoms, controller medications such as inhaled corticosteroids. Go to an allergist or pulmonologist for testing.” Also, be aware that asthma medications may interact with other prescriptions you already take, or vitamins and supplements. Beta blockers may make asthma worse, and medications for asthma may increase your heart rate. Make sure your doctor knows everything you’re taking before prescribing anything to control your asthma. Know, too, that getting complete control of your adult-onset asthma may take time, but it will happen. “Your doctor will proceed in steps in terms of treating the severity of your symptoms,” Otsu concludes. “Of course, it’s very individualized, depending on the severity of the symptoms you experience. Work with your doctor to see what makes the severity of your symptoms improve.” Adult-onset asthma doesn’t mean you need to stop doing the things you love—the right management will make the quality of your life better than ever! These are the best food for healthy lungs—and the ones to avoid.
