Asthma has long been viewed as an illness which presents and gets diagnosed during childhood and overlooked as a potential adulthood illness. Adults can develop asthma and it can be more detrimental to health during adulthood than during childhood because the symptoms are often dismissed and allowed to run rampant.
Symptoms of Adult Asthma
Adult onset asthma presents with the same symptoms as childhood asthma – persistent cough, wheezing and shortness of breath . However, these symptoms are often treated as a cold or allergy flare-up and the underlying asthmatic condition goes untreated.
Discern the Difference
Sometimes it is difficult to discern the difference between a common cold or seasonal allergy and something more threatening to health. Two telltale symptoms to look for are frequent bouts of bronchitis and a cough that just will not go away.
A simple lung function test (done in the doctor’s office with a spirometer) which measures how much air can be exhaled and how quickly the air is exhaled can determine if asthma is the problem and how compromised the lungs are by the illness.
Prevention Tips
While there is no sure-fire way to prevent adult onset asthma, there are things we can do reduce the risk.
* Reduce exposure to known allergens. Pet dander, dust and dust mites, pollen, air pollution and strong odors in the work environment (chemicals, welding, etc.) can trigger asthma. Use precautions usually associated with preventing allergy flare-ups to help prevent asthma from developing. One of the best ways to prevent any type of respiratory problems is to keep the bedroom an allergen-free zone. One-third of the day is spent in the bedroom and the air quality in that room can relieve or cause breathing symptoms. Keep pets out of bedroom, launder bed linens once per week and use dust mite covers of pillows and mattress. Frequently dust and vacuum carpets, upholstered fabric and draperies to keep dust and pollen at bay.
* Get a flue shot every year. Viral infections can sometimes trigger asthma attacks. A yearly flu shot will help ward off at least one bout of coughing and wheezing each year.
* Lose weight. Yet another reason to lose a few pounds. Weight loss will reduce your risk of developing adult onset asthma. Obesity has been linked to asthma development in adults.
* If you smoke, quit. And avoid exposure to secondhand cigarette and cigar smoke.
