Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that can last a lifetime. It can begin at any age but often occurs in childhood. However, this does not mean the danger is over once you become an adult. In fact, OnlyMyHealth spoke to Dr Bobby Bhalotra, Vice-Chairperson—Chest Medicine, Gangaram Hospital, Delhi, who shed light on the risk of adult-onset asthma and shared some useful tips for managing the condition.
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Can You Develop Asthma Later In Life?
Asthma is a long-term condition that affects the airways of the lungs, leading to swelling and inflammation and producing extra mucus.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), asthma is the most common chronic disease among children, leading to symptoms such as cough, wheeze, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. However, it can also affect adults and cause similar symptoms.
Describing it as adult-onset asthma, Dr Bhalotra shared that several factors can trigger its onset, including prolonged exposure to environmental pollution, industrial fumes, gases, and organic or inorganic dust. These irritants can cause persistent airway inflammation, eventually leading to asthma.
Hormonal changes, particularly during pre- and post-menopause, can also contribute to asthma development in later years, he noted. While hormones themselves may not directly cause asthma, they can influence factors like weight gain, airway hypersensitivity, and emotional stress, which may exacerbate respiratory issues.
Individuals with pre-existing allergic conditions—such as rhinitis, sinusitis, or skin allergies—are also at higher risk. When these allergies extend to the airways, they can lead to bronchial hyperresponsiveness, a classic indication of asthma. Patients may experience intermittent breathlessness and wheezing, triggered by environmental allergens or irritants.
As of now, The Global Asthma Report suggests that the global prevalence of asthma is 9.1% among children, 11.0% among adolescents, and 6.6% among adults.
Early Signs Of Adult-Onset Asthma
The key indicator of adult-onset asthma is the sudden appearance of symptoms, such as breathlessness, wheezing, and chest tightness, in individuals who had no history of asthma in childhood. These symptoms often wax and wane, sometimes resolving on their own before flaring up again.
However, it’s important to rule out other conditions that may mimic asthma, such as:
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Interstitial lung disease
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
- Cardiac asthma, a heart-related condition that can cause wheezing and breathlessness
According to Dr Bhalotra, misdiagnosis is possible, so a thorough medical evaluation is necessary.
Also Read: How To Distinguish And Manage Nocturnal Asthma And Sleep Apnoea
The Role Of Lifestyle In Asthma Prevention
Prevention is always better than cure, emphasised Dr Bhalotra, adding that adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases, including asthma.
Managing exposure to allergens and environmental pollutants is equally important in preventing respiratory conditions, he concluded.