Asthma is a prevalent condition that can affect people of all ages and lifestyles. There are several types of asthma, and each requires a specific set of care practices to manage. Adult-onset asthma develops in formerly healthy adults. Below, Dr. Mayank Shukla explains how to identify adult-onset asthma.
Adult-Onset Asthma: An Overview
Asthma is a respiratory disease that interferes with the normal breathing process. It can be acute or chronic and affects individuals with varying levels of intensity.
Some of the common symptoms of asthma include the following:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Wheezing
- Frequent coughing
- General difficulty breathing
- Swelling and inflammation in the lungs
- Mucus production
- Muscle contractions in the lungs
Asthma can be a life-threatening condition when left unaddressed, so a patient must be able to identify asthmatic symptoms and take the necessary steps to attempt to manage the condition.
Types of Adult-onset Asthma
There are several different subtypes of adult-onset asthma. Identifying the exact type of adult-onset asthma that is present can help you to create a plan for treatment and management. The primary subtypes of asthma include:
- Mild intermittent: A mild form of asthma that does not require the use of medications. Symptoms occur less than twice a week, and lung function is consistently above 80%
- Moderate persistent: A form of asthma with daily symptoms that affect lung function
- Mild persistent: A mild form of asthma with symptoms that occur three to six times per week but with high lung function that remains above 80%.
- Severe persistent: A severe form of asthma that includes frequent symptoms and that impacts the functioning of an individual’s day-to-day life. Lung function is also heavily impacted.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for asthma. That is why the patient and the doctor work together to make a plan for managing the condition. Proper management of asthma can help an individual live a more normal and fulfilled life despite their asthmatic symptoms.
How to Identify Adult-Onset Asthma
Adult-onset asthma is, in general, quite easy to identify, as it refers to the asthma that develops in an individual over the age of 20. Unfortunately, adult-onset asthma is also said to be more persistent and have more severe symptoms than early-onset asthma.
Some individuals are more vulnerable to developing adult-onset asthma. Those with risk factors that can contribute to the development of adult-onset asthma include:
- Individuals who suffer from allergies
- Individuals who have suffered recently from a respiratory virus or disease
- Women who are experiencing hormonal changes, such as those associated with pregnancy
- Individuals who suffer from acid reflux
- Individuals who are consistently exposed to asthmatic irritants, such as smoke, smog, perfume, and more
- Individuals who are exposed to asthmatic irritants in their workplace
Adults, especially those over 40, tend to have lower lung volumes and stiffer chest walls, increasing their vulnerability to asthma. Your physician should be able to help you identify which asthma trigger might be contributing to your case. This knowledge, in turn, can help you develop an actionable treatment plan.
Diagnosing Adult-Onset Asthma
Several methods can be employed to help to identify adult-onset asthma. The primary methods of diagnosis include:
- Administering a lung function test using a device known as a spirometer
- Observing the symptoms and breathing function of the patient
- Performing a methacholine test, a type of test that can cause the airways to spasm and narrow if the patient is asthmatic
Performing the previously mentioned tests can help a physician diagnose the patient’s type of asthma and the nuances of their particular case.
Asthma Treatment in New York
Dr. Mayank Shukla is one of the most well-known pulmonologists in New York. If you are interested in discussing your symptoms and determining whether they are related to adult-onset asthma, contact our office today to discuss your treatment options.
