As per the research of the American Lung Association (ALA), one in twelve people in the USA is asthmatic. Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes difficulty in breathing, which results due to inflammation or swelling of the airway. An asthma attack is associated with severe symptoms, and it can occur suddenly. The right treatment can help to control an asthma attack.

Numerous adults are affected with adult-onset asthma. In adults, asthma arises from allergies. Adult-onset asthma may develop from allergens and irritants from shared places and workplaces (it is called occupational asthma). Triggers can vary from person to person; therefore, there are various types of asthma.

Adult-onset asthma symptoms

Below mentioned are the common severe symptoms experienced during an asthma attack:

1. Narrowing of the airway due to inflammation or swelling of the airway
2. Secretion of mucous occurs, which is thicker than usual
3. Narrowing of the airway, because of muscle contractions surrounding the airways
4. Feeling short of breath
5. Constant projectile coughing during the night
6. Wheezing
7. Breathing difficulty

Difference between childhood asthma and adult-onset asthma

Adults who get affected with adult-onset asthma have lower forced expiratory volume (It is the amount of air you can take in and forcibly exhale in one second) after middle age. This condition arises because of changed muscles, and the chest wall becomes stiffer; therefore, decreasing your lungs functions. Often doctors may miss diagnosing adult-onset asthma symptoms.

We have already discussed adult-onset asthma. Therefore, individuals from 20 years and above can get asthma at any time in their life.

Individuals who are more prone to get adult-onset asthma are listed below:

1. Pregnant women who are undergoing severe hormonal changes as well as those who are reaching menopause stage
2. Women who take hormone pills (estrogen) for more than ten years or longer
3. Individuals who have recent recovered from flu viruses or illness
4. Individuals with air-borne allergies, especially those allergic to cats
5. Individuals who are dealing with GERD, a chronic condition that cause heartburn with reflux
6. Individuals who get exposed to allergens and irritants frequently, such as tobacco smoke, dust, feather beds, bird feathers, or perfume

Who is at more risk of getting adult-onset asthma?

Anyone can get affected by adult-onset asthma, irrespective of their age. People who are at more risk of getting asthma are:

1. Those who have a family history of asthma or someone in the family who has it (hereditary)
2. Those who suffer from allergies, airborne allergies (allergic asthma)
3. Those who live with people who are chain smokers
4. Those who live in urban areas, which are polluted

What are the classifications of asthma?

Asthma is classified based on the severity and frequency of onset symptoms. There are four stages of asthma mild intermittent, mild persistent, moderate persistent, and severe persistent. Your doctor will examine you, and he will determine the complexity of your symptoms. He may perform a lung function test. Based on these results, he may prescribe you treatment to control your asthma. Note that symptoms may vary as per the category of asthma.

So, this was a basic outline of adult-onset asthma and its symptoms. If you observe such symptoms, take expert advice immediately.