Adult-Onset Asthma

Asthma is the number one most common chronic medical issue that affects children in the United States today. However, a large percentage of asthma sufferers do not develop asthma until they are an adult. When asthma symptoms do not develop until after the age of 20, it is considered adult-onset asthma. Some adults with asthma do not develop it until much later in life, even well past the age of 50.

Asthma that develops in adulthood occurs more frequently in females than males. It often occurs in people who have allergies. Nearly fifty percent of adult asthma patients have allergies. It may also be triggered by other things, such as irritants in one's place of work, which is known as occupational asthma. Environmental irritants such as smoke, pet dander, perfumes, and down bedding can also trigger asthma symptoms. Stress, anxiety and exercise triggers asthma in some individuals. So there are many things which can trigger asthma in people.

There are many factors which seem to render an individual more prone to developing asthma as an adult. Weight can play a role, as people who are obese tend to have a greater risk for asthma as adults. Sometimes asthma will develop in an adult following being sick with a cold or the flu.

As mentioned earlier, women are more vulnerable than men. In particular, women who are experiencing hormonal changes from pregnancy or menopause tend to be at higher risk. Also, postmenopausal women who have been taken estrogen supplements for 10 years or more have been shown to be at much higher risk for developing asthma than their peers who have not taken estrogen. With regards to allergies, it has been found that people who have allergies to cats seem to be vulnerable to the development of asthma.

There are some differences between asthma in children and asthma in adults. For example, in children who have asthma, it is not unusual for the symptoms to be sporadic. However, in adults, the asthma symptoms are often ongoing. Very typically, adult asthma needs to be managed by taking medication regularly.

Adults who are middle-aged or older often have more decreased lung capacity. This may be due to physiological changes that come with aging.

The symptoms of adult-onset asthma generally include coughing, wheezing, difficulties breathing, and chest pressure or tightening. If you have noticed any of these symptoms it is best to be evaluated by your doctor to determine if you have developed asthma.