Why Asthma Can Hit You Harder as an Adult

Stepping outside for a deep breath of fresh air is one of life’s simple pleasures. But for some people, that same deep breath can prompt breathing difficulties or chest-tightening.

If this sounds familiar, you may have adult-onset asthma.

“People think about asthma starting in childhood, but developing asthma later on is more common than you think,” says pulmonologist Rachel Taliercio, DO. “However, we are not as good at recognizing asthma in older adults.”

The resulting delays in diagnosis and treatment can lead to serious problems.

Here, she answers common questions about adult-onset asthma and explains why it is often more serious later in life:

Q: What causes adult-onset asthma and what are its symptoms?

A: The reason adults develop asthma isn’t always clear. Respiratory infections, allergies and airway irritants, such as smoke and mold, can be triggers.

Asthma inflames the airways, triggering excess mucus production and smooth muscle spasms. This narrows the airways, causing symptoms such as:

• Chest tightness or pressure.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Wheezingas you exhale (a whistling sound).
• Shortness of breath after exertion.
• A dry cough.
• Colds that quickly move to the chest and symptoms that can linger.

“While the symptoms for adult-onset and childhood asthma are the same, they are typically intermittent in childhood and persistent in adulthood,” says Dr. Taliercio. Of course, if your symptoms include a fever, it’s worth a call to your doctor to rule out coronavirus.

Inhaled and oral asthma medications, which open the airways and soothe inflammation, are used to treat acute symptoms and prevent flare-ups.

Q: Is asthma more dangerous for adults?

A: Yes. The death rate for adult-onset asthma is substantially higher than the death rate for childhood asthma.

One reason may be that adults either ignore asthma symptoms or attribute them to being overweight, being out of shape or getting older.

Asthma symptoms can also mimic those of other illnesses, including:

• Hiatal hernia.
• Stomach disorders.
• Heart failure.
• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

“Unfortunately, any delays in the diagnosis and treatment of asthma can permanently impair lung function,” says Dr. Taliercio, so it’s important to seek medical attention right away if you think you may have developed asthma.

Q: What increases your risk for adult-onset asthma?

A: Most childhood asthma disappears in adulthood. But having childhood asthma increases your risk of a relapse in your 30s or 40s. Other factors that increase the risk of adult-onset asthma include:

• Having overweight or obesity: A low level of physical activity, changes in lung physiology and higher levels of inflammation are among several factors at play.
• Being female: Hormonal fluctuations in pregnancy and menopause can trigger asthma.
• Allergens: Cats, cigarette smoke, chemicals, mold or dust can trigger asthma.

Q: How well does treatment work for adults with asthma?

Asthma can be more difficult to control in adults for several reasons:

• Asthma medications can be less effective later in life, particularly for those who have obesity.
• Oral steroids can worsen glaucoma, cataracts and osteoporosis.
• Being on beta-blockers for heart problems can increase the severity of asthma.
• The lungs and chest walls are stiffer and the muscles supporting deep breathing are weaker in adults.

For these reasons, adults with asthma are at increased risk for flare-ups and even hospitalization.

Q: How can you improve your asthma control in adulthood?

A: To keep asthma under control, follow your doctor’s instructions as closely as possible. Here are some additional tips:

• Take prescription drugs as directed. Consult your doctor before making any changes. Let your doctor know if you are taking any over-the-counter medications.
• Monitor your lung capacity. Visit your doctor frequently to have your lung function checked. You can also monitor your lung function at home with a peak flow meter. This will detect lung changes even before you notice them.
• Develop an action plan and follow it. Create a step-by-step treatment plan with your doctor that walks you through what to do if asthma symptoms worsen.
• Use your rescue inhaler correctly. This can be the toughest part of managing asthma (especially if you struggle with strength or dexterity due to arthritis or other health problems). If using your inhaler is too frustrating, ask your doctor about nebulized medication that you can breathe in over 10 to 15 minutes.
• Stop smoking. Dr. Taliercio says: “Tobacco smoke is not only harmful to your throat and lungs, it can make your asthma harder to control. Vaping is also dangerous and can harm your lungs. Talk to your doctor about how we can help you quit smoking.”
• Exercise regularly. Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly are two of the most important ways you can stay healthy and help control your asthma.

If you suspect you might have asthma, see your doctor as soon as possible.

“Undiagnosed asthma can contribute to further loss of lung function that may be permanent,” Dr. Taliercio says. “Don’t ignore your symptoms.”

You’ll breathe a whole lot easier once you address the problem.