Adult-Onset Asthma: When Asthma Starts Later in Life

"But I don't want to have asthma," I protested to my doctor-- knowing, even as I said it, that I sounded incredibly silly and childish. I had just come to my doctor two months before with a nasty case of bronchitis. It seemed to clear up, more or less, but I was still waking up at night coughing, choking, and wheezing. I thought I just had an unusually persistent viral infection, but it turns out that it was adult-onset asthma.

Misconceptions

My doctor said that people often hold the misconception that asthma characteristically begins in childhood, and that adults can't acquire the condition. I was one of those people. Even after several friends had heard my wheezing and said, "That sounds like asthma," I had no reaction other than to say that I didn't have it. After all, I'd never had it before. These misconceptions often lead to delays in diagnosis of adult-onset asthma, because people with the condition may dismiss the symptoms as a temporary respiratory illness.

Symptoms

The symptoms of adult-onset asthma are ultimately the same as childhood asthma, but they may be more severe. The airways become inflamed and sensitive, leading to persistent coughing, along with episodes of wheezing, a choking sensation, and persistent congestion. These can be similar to several other conditions, including bronchitis, pneumonia, and even lung cancer-- so it's important to get an accurate diagnosis if you display these symptoms.

Causes

Adult-onset asthma very frequently arises, as in my case, after a respiratory infection. Bronchtis, pneumonia, colds, and flu often precede the onset of adult asthma. After its onset, the condition is usually permanent but treatable. Allergies, chronic sinusitis, and chemical sensitivity are also contributing problems and risk factors for adult-onset asthma.

Differences from Childhood Asthma

The treatments for childhood asthma and adult-onset asthma are similar, but adult-onset asthma may be more serious. Asthma in adulthood, especially if left untreated, can cause rapid deterioration of lung health. Adult-onset asthma is also far more persistent. Many children outgrow asthma, but adult-onset asthma tends to only worsen with time.

While I'm not happy about my latest lot in life, I'm glad that I got an accurate diagnosis and that I've started treatment. If you are an adult who has recently begun experiencing asthma-like symptoms, talk to your health care provider to get a diagnosis and, possibly, treatment for your condition.

The Asthma Foundation of Washington offers more information about adult-onset asthma.