The Benefits of Accessing Primary Care

Understanding Adult-Onset Asthma

25 November 2020

Susan Wood

Asthma often develops in childhood, but it can develop in adults, particularly in those who have environmental allergies. Women experiencing menopause, those with gastroesophageal reflux disease and those exposed to tobacco smoke are also at an increased risk of developing adult-onset asthma. As a lung disorder, asthma causes swelling and narrowing in the airways and can cause mucosal thickening, all of which can prevent enough oxygen from passing through the lungs. Here's an overview of the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment approach for adult-onset asthma.

Symptoms

Symptoms can vary in severity and presentation from person to person. Some people experience symptoms that appear intermittently, while others have constant symptoms and asthma has a large impact on their ability to carry out daily tasks. Common symptoms of asthma in adults include chest tightness, shortness of breath and wheezing when you exhale. You may also experience a persistent or intermittent cough and you may have trouble sleeping.

Diagnosis And Treatment Approach

Your GP will make a diagnosis by taking details of your symptoms and carrying out a physical exam. They will carry out spirometry and peak flow tests to establish your lung function. A spirometry test measures how much air you are able to exhale in one breath, which helps your GP determine whether there's narrowing at any point along your bronchial tubes. A peak flow test involves exhaling into a peak flow metre, which measures how hard you are able to exhale. This helps your GP determine whether your lungs are working to full capacity. These tests are usually enough to make a diagnosis of asthma, but if your GP has any concerns about the health of your lungs, they may refer you for a chest X-ray to look for signs of damage or abnormalities. They may also refer you to an allergist to determine if there are environmental allergens triggering your asthma.

Adult-onset asthma is primarily treated with medication. Your GP will recommend a medication regime based on your symptoms and results of your diagnostic testing, but you will typically take two types of medication. Firstly, you will be prescribed a preventative medication that you will take daily. This medication will reduce inflammation in the airways, which makes it less likely you will experience a severe asthma attack. Secondly, you will be prescribed quick-relief medication to take as needed. This is often in the form of an inhaler and is intended to offer relief from symptoms during an asthma attack. Your GP will also follow-up with you at regular intervals to ensure your treatment regime is working for you.

If you are experiencing mild symptoms associated with adult-onset asthma, schedule an appointment with your GP as soon as possible. However, if you experience severe symptoms that leave you feeling unable to breathe properly, call for an ambulance.

For more information, contact a GP in your area today.

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