Adults With Asthma

With our air full of pollutants and toxins, it’s no wonder asthma amongst children and adults is so prevalent. It is estimated around 10% of Australia’s population currently struggle with asthma, a standard high by international standards. The occurrence of asthma in people over 75 is high as asthma can develop when a person is middle aged or older, with 1 in every 10 adult in Australia diagnosed with asthma.

Although usually associated with children, asthma can develop later in life due to lungs becoming less efficient and lung function deteriorating. This is called adult onset asthma. The cause for development of adult onset asthma in some people and not others is unclear and symptoms can appear and disappear with no explanation. Asthma that has spanned throughout childhood and into adulthood is usually mild in symptoms.

Symptoms Of Asthma In Adults

Asthma symptoms in adults are similar to those of children. They can differ between people, with selected symptoms being experienced by some and not by others and vice versa. These include:

• Breathlessness and shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Coughing, especially at night or early in the morning
• Feeling tight in the chest
• Presence of mucus
• Sensitive and inflamed airways

If you suspect you have asthma, your doctor will ask about your family and medical history and will check your lungs with a spirometry test.

What Triggers an Asthma Attack?

Like children, adults that suffer from asthma are sensitive to many environmental triggers, however the severity of the reaction will likely differ from person to person. An asthmatic who is highly sensitive to pollen may not have the same reaction as an asthmatic who’s asthma flares up with exercise.  The most common triggers include:

• allergens such as pollen
• cigarette smoke
• dust
• fumes and strong smells
• respiratory infections
• exercise
• pets
• some medications, including beta-blockers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatorys

Of all these triggers, cigarette smoke is one of the most powerful and usually one that most adults will react to. Many respiratory conditions and illnesses are worsened by smoking but with more and more people quitting smoking and the laws and regulations that prevent people smoking in public places, this trigger is becoming less common.

Whilst adults with asthma are not more prone to catching the influenza virus, their reaction and symptoms can be far more severe than someone who is asthma free. Yearly vaccinations against the flu virus are strongly recommended for adults with asthma.

Management of Adult Asthma

Like most conditions, asthma need to be managed with a written Management or Action Plan by your GP. Adult asthma needs to be monitored and reviewed the same way that children’s asthma is. Asthma management includes:

• regular medical reviews
• medication to prevent attacks but also to prevent the further deterioration of the lungs
• healthy lifestyle – no smoking, regular exercise
• good control and avoidance of triggers
• a written Asthma Action Plan

Accurate diagnosis and careful monitoring are important in the diagnosis of asthma in adults as many asthma symptoms can be confused for symptoms of heart disease. If you suspect you may have asthma, consult your GP.

If you become concerned about any symptoms please seek immediate medical attention we have some hotlines and suggested websites for further information and advice  https://www.stayathomemum.com.au/my-kids/babies/important-hotlines-websites/

SAHM takes no responsibility for any illness, injury or death caused by misuse of this information.  All information provided is correct at time of publication. 

Sources

• http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Asthma_in_adults
• http://www.asthmaaustralia.org.au/Adult_onset_asthma.aspx