Can You Get Asthma as an Adult? (Adult Onset Asthma)?

 

I was diagnosed with asthma in my 30's, and I thought, "Well, that explains a few things...."

My young son was hospitalized with "breathing problems" - and THEN he was diagnosed with asthma. I had suspected my son had asthma after reading an article in a parenting magazine, but the pediatrician said my son did not have asthma, it was "just a virus".

It was not. 

It was asthma.  

When I was learning about asthma after my son's diagnosis, I thought that the signs and symptoms of asthma sounded very familiar. In fact, I had them my whole life, but thought it was normal! Hint: it's not.

Common asthma symptoms are:

• chest tightness 
• shortness of breath
• coughing 
• difficulty breathing 
• wheezing** 

**It's important to know that there are people with asthma who do NOT wheeze (like me).  I have cough variant asthma, and don't wheeze. I have to mention that to the doctor at Urgent Care when I'm sick. Don't listen for wheezing, because you won't hear it! But I have the other asthma symptoms.  

Adult Onset Asthma 

Why do some people get asthma as an adult?

I had all of the symptoms of asthma for years, but doctors missed my diagnosis. Doctors are human too and dealing with a lot of patients with a variety of symptoms. Sometimes they can make an easy diagnosis, other times a diagnosis can be harder to figure out. Especially since I didn't wheeze. 

Adults may not have ANY symptoms of asthma until they are older and then can then develop adult onset asthma. 

How?

Sometimes, they can avoid their asthma triggers for years. But then they may encounter their asthma trigger which can cause an asthma attack. Surprise! 

They may start a new job and be exposed to asthma triggers for the first time - like bakery dust, tobacco, paint and chemicals, or other strong scents. 

They could move into a new apartment or house that has mice, cockroaches, mold, strong cleaning supplies, or cats and dogs. 

Or they can get a respiratory infection that causes a nagging cough for weeks. That can expose your asthma.   

Diagnosing asthma 

Getting an asthma diagnosis is tricky, because there are many things the doctor will look for. 

They may ask if you have allergies, and if there is a family history of asthma. 

Asthma doesn't just run in our family, it gallops! 

Your doctor might ask about any environmental exposures that could be making your lungs cranky (smoking, incense, scented candles, chemicals, pets), etc. 

They can also order a lung function test, blood test, or even an x-ray to rule out any other lung problems. 

Trust your gut 

You've been living in your body for a long time, and you know your body better than anyone else. If you think something is wrong, make an appointment with your doctor. 

A primary care doctor can miss a diagnosis (because they treat such a large variety of medical problems.) My primary care doctor is like a detective who looks for clues to diagnosis diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, digestive problems, thyroid problems, sprained ankles, broken bones, child abuse, depression, etc, etc. 

It's no wonder they can't be perfect with every diagnosis. Can you imagine how much they had to memorize in med school?  

It's okay to ask for a second opinion and visit an allergist or lung specialist like a pulmonologist to see what they think. 

Hope this has helped any adults who are wondering if they have asthma 

Hugs, 

Andrea