Thursday, March 1, 2012

Adult Onset of Asthma




Many people develop asthma in childhood. However, asthma symptoms can develop at any time in one's life.




Signs and Symptoms of Adult Onset Asthma:

  • dry cough (especially at night or in response to "triggers")
  • tightness or pressure in the chest
  • difficulty breathing
  • wheezing when exhaling (whistling sound)
  • shortness of breath after exercising
  • colds that go to the chest for more than 10 days
Diagnosis of Adult Onset Asthma:

  • Your physician will: question you about your symptoms, do a physical exam, conduct lung function tests, and possibly preform an allergy test
  • If you have any asthma symptoms, don't ignore them or try to treat them yourself
Managing Adult Onset Asthma:


  • Learn and stay up to date
  • Take prescribed medications
  • Visit your doctor regularly for in-office tests. These tests are painless and provide valuable data that help your physician make adjustments in your medications.
  • Make a plan that will establish guidelines that tell you what to do if your asthma symptoms get worse

Controlling Asthma Symptoms:
If your asthma symptoms are caused by allergies, take steps to control known or potential triggers in your environment.

  • Allergy proof your house for dust, mold, cockroaches, and other common indoor allergens in which you are allergic
  • Reduce outdoor activities when pollen counts are high
  • Choose foods that do not contribute to your asthma or allergy symptoms
  • Evaluate your workplace for possible allergens, and take the necessary steps to reduce your exposure to them.

Coping with Allergies and Asthma May/June 2011. Adult Onset of Asthma.

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