Most people who have asthma as an adult would have likely developed the condition as a child. However, for some people, the symptoms of the breathing condition can actually appear much later on in life. When this happens, it is known as adult asthma. Some people have even developed the condition in their 50s and 60s - in some cases, it can even occur in people older than this.
When asthma occurs in young children, it is usually a response to some sort of respiratory infection or allergic trigger and is only experienced intermittently. However, where it is experienced in adulthood, the symptoms tend to be experienced persistently. As a result, it is highly likely that the daily taking of medication will be required in order to keep the condition properly controlled.
Understanding Asthma
The condition is caused by an overresponse within the airways to certain stimuli, such as irritants and allergens that in some way obstruct the airways. This causes inflammation and a constriction of the muscles that surround the airways, which leads to an increased level of mucous secretion and swelling. As a result of all of this, asthma sufferers find it difficult to breathe, causing increased coughing.
Asthma flare-ups are most commonly caused by allergens, exercise, air pollution, or an infection. Some of the symptoms of the condition include tightness of the chest, wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing. Although it can begin at any age and is more likely to be permanent when occurring in adulthood, it is a condition that can be managed so that those with it are able to live a relatively normal and active life.
Causes Of Adult Asthma
It is believed that as much as 30 percent of all cases of adult asthma are caused by allergens. Those people who are allergic to felines have an increased risk of developing asthma as an adult. It is also the case that prolonged exposure to the likes of certain irritants and allergens, such as mold, cigarette smoke, dust, and certain chemicals can all act as triggers to an asthma attack. There are also certain materials that can be found within the workplace that are likely to have the same triggering effect.
For women, fluctuations in their hormones can also cause them to develop asthma as an adult. This is why some females develop asthma during pregnancy as their hormones are all over the place and constantly changing. The same is also true for those women going through menopause.
There are certain infections, viruses, and illnesses that can be a contributory factor to the onset of adult asthma. For instance, a bad case of the flu or prolonged cold, are both things that can cause asthma to develop in adults.
One thing that does not cause it is smoking, although being exposed to the smoke can worsen the symptoms.