Asthma and adults

Many people associate asthma as a childhood illness, however, adults and older people can develop asthma. Approximately 1 in 10 adults in Australia have asthma. Careful and proper diagnosis is important, as asthma symptoms can be confused with other illnesses, such as some types of heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

In many cases, adults with asthma may have had asthma or similar symptoms as children and it may have persisted throughout their life. However, there are many people who experience asthma for the first time as an adult.

Symptoms of asthma in adults

Asthma symptoms may differ between people, but common symptoms are:

• breathlessness
• wheezing
• cough, especially at night
• a feeling of tightness in the chest
• production of mucus.

Triggers

Adults with asthma are sensitive to the same kinds of triggers that bring on asthma symptoms in younger people with. Triggers may also differ between people and if you have asthma, you may have more than one trigger for your asthma.

Triggers include:

• allergens such as pollen or mould spores
• cigarette smoke
• dust and dust mites
• fumes and strong odours
• respiratory infections, such as a cough, cold or the flu
• some medications such as beta-blockers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• exercise and physical activity
• pets.

Cigarette smoke

Cigarette smoke is a powerful trigger of asthma symptoms. Many other respiratory illnesses are caused and made worse by smoking, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Managing your symptoms will become easier for people with asthma once they are able to avoid smoking cigarettes or being around someone while they are smoking.

Regular medication is important

Generally, as we get older, our lungs become less and less efficient. However, developing asthma as an adult can speed up the deterioration of your lung function. To maintain and improve your breathing both in the short and long term, it is important to stick with your asthma medications and discuss any symptoms and concerns with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Spacers

It is recommended that all people with asthma, regardless of age, use a spacer when taking medication via a puffer. Spacers help to improve the delivery of medication to the lungs and minimise side effects from medications. Talk to your pharmacist about spacers and how they might help you manage your asthma.

Asthma and influenza

While adults with severe asthma are not more likely to get the flu than anyone else, a bout of influenza can be more serious for them. Adults with severe asthma should talk to their doctor about having yearly influenza immunisations.

• Adults can also get asthma for the first time and proper diagnosis is essential.
• Medications will help to manage your asthma. Make sure to take them regularly and as prescribed.