Adult asthma can be triggered by ageing, hormones, or allergies. Know the symptoms and get care when needed

Simply, asthma is a respiratory condition that makes it difficult to breathe. Yet, this health issue goes much deeper than that. In this article, we delve into adult asthma and how to take steps to protect your health.

Quick Read:

• Asthma involves chronic inflammation. This, in turn, can lead to chest tightness, coughing, wheezing, and breathlessness.
• Some adults develop asthma in their 30s or 40s, or even older. Adult-onset asthma is possible even if you didn’t have asthma as a child.
• Feeling unusually tired is an oft-missed symptom of asthma.

How does asthma start?

It is possible for asthma to begin later in life. Amongst the most common risk factors: smoking, a family history of asthma, allergies, chronic stress, or obesity. The cold and flu, or other respiratory infections may also be to blame for adult asthma. As could hormonal changes that happen during pregnancy, menopause, or when taking oestrogen therapy after menopause.

People who suffer from acid reflux conditions like GERD and heartburn also tend to battle asthma. These conditions typically aggravate the airways, causing breathing difficulties.

Ageing is another element in adult-onset asthma. As we get older, the immune system can become more reactive, creating a domino effect of sudden new allergies that trigger asthma.

What happens during an asthma attack?

An asthma attack occurs when the muscle layer of the breathing passages narrow and spasm. The lining of the airways is a delicate layer, called mucosa. When it swells, it creates an excessive, sticky mucus. This is what causes chest tightnesss, wheezing, coughing, or trouble breathing.

How can I manage asthma?

Asthma is often unpredictable. Understandably, this uncertainty can cause anxiety and stress, as you never know when an asthma episode might strike. For the person who’s struggling with asthma, every day may feel like a challenge.

It doesn’t matter if you think you feel better. Keep your inhaler at hand for emergencies. The preventer inhaler helps ensure inflammation is under control and the reliever inhaler is necessary for when you need quick relief from symptoms.

It’s vital that you visit the doctor or clinic for regular check-ups, especially if your symptoms start to change or get worse. Keep a notebook to journal your triggers – and do your best to avoid these triggers. Some of the most common asthma triggers include mold, dust, pollen, cold air, sudden weather changes, strong smells like perfume or cleaning products, and smoke (including secondhand smoke). Numerous asthma sufferers are also triggered by stress or strong emotions.

A healthy diet matters. In fact, staying healthy overall is a key part in how well you manage asthma. You need plenty of fruit and vegetables in your daily diet (yes, daily) to give your immune system essential support.

Exercise is important, too. Be sure to move – regularly. Aim for at least 30 minutes a day. If you’re worried about exercising, stick to gentle workouts like walking.

Make it a point to prioritise quality sleep and find smart ways to manage chronic stress. If you have other health issues like acid reflux, treat these problems sooner than later as they may trigger asthma symptoms.

Help at hand: when to get medical assistance

Please don’t let your condition spiral out of control. It’s important to know when to get help. If you use your reliever inhaler more than twice a week, it could be a sign that your asthma isn’t well-controlled and you may need to adjust your treatment.

Go to a doctor or clinic immediately if you cannot speak or walk due to breathlessness, if your reliever inhaler isn’t working, or if your lips or fingers turn blue or grey. These are signs of a serious asthma attack and calls for urgent medical care.

The same vigilance applies if your child has asthma. Get medical help as soon as possible if they have severe pain in the neck, throat, and chest, or trouble breathing.

Images: Freepik