For most folks, we usually diagnose asthma in childhood. Then each person learns to manage it uniquely as an adult. However, it is not unheard of for adults to be diagnosed with asthma after age 20, especially if certain breathing problems are new. A lot of asthma triggers relate to allergies which most folks with asthma suffer from as well. Whether due to the changing of the seasons or a certain pollutant in the air, the symptoms of asthma can seemingly come out of nowhere. So how do we find asthma in adults diagnosed?
How is Asthma in Adults Diagnosed?
How is asthma in adults diagnosed, and how is it different from asthma in children? Our asthma & allergy specialist in New York City has a special process of diagnosing different types of asthma in patients older than 20. Keep reading to learn more about our personalized treatment process.
About Asthma
A respiratory condition that affects the lungs and airways, asthma can display a number of symptoms that come and go based on certain triggers. Asthma is present when the airways are obstructed by swelling, abnormal amounts of mucous production, or uncontrollable muscle contractions. This can cause the person to feel like they cannot breathe, causing further panic and the exacerbation of existing symptoms.
Symptoms of Asthma
Everyone experiences asthma differently depending on their particular triggers and the severity of their symptoms, but most patients deal with the following:
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing, with increased fits of coughing at night
- Inflammation in the airways
- Chest tightness
- Wheezing
- Consistent trouble breathing
Any patient over the age of 20 and receives an asthma diagnosis is known to have adult-onset asthma.
Who Gets Asthma as an Adult?
Some folks may be more likely to get asthma as an adult than others, although everyone should make sure that their respiratory system is in good health at all ages. Those who are at a higher risk of getting asthma include:
- Folks who have just recovered from a virus or illness such as a cold or COVID-19
- People with allergies to pet dander, especially cats
- Those who have allergic reactions to irritants in the air during certain seasons
- People who are allergic to smoke, mold, dust, perfume, and other similar irritants
Everyone is triggered by different things that could cause an onset of severe asthma symptoms. It is important to visit your doctor at the first sign of these triggers, or else the symptoms can get much worse.
Diagnosing and Treating Asthma in Adults
Once you visit your certified asthma specialist for treatment, you may be diagnosed in one of many different ways. Your doctor will start by asking you about family history and whether there is any record of asthma in the past. We may also ask you to perform a lung function test and a methacholine test, both systems that check for asthma.
Depending on your diagnosis, we may prescribe some medication to help open up your airways and combat asthma triggers. Most patients receive an inhaler. Use this as needed during a dangerous asthma flare-up. In the office, you will also receive a bronchodilator, a medicine that immediately relaxes the muscles in your airways and allows you to breathe more easily.
Invest in Effective Asthma Treatment ASAP
It’s important to reach out to your local asthma expert to get the best asthma treatment in New York as soon as you can. The longer you live with untreated asthma, the more severe and life-threatening your symptoms can get. Visit Dr. Mayank Shukla and schedule a personal consultation to learn more about your viable treatment options. Asthma can be a dangerous condition in older adults, especially if left untreated. Visit us today so you can start breathing easy!
