ADULT-ONSET ASTHMA

Adult-onset asthma is asthma diagnosed after age 20. It is diagnosed more often in women than in men.  It may appear suddenly due to new airborne irritants introduced at work or at home. Other risk factors include exposure to mold, tobacco smoke, and dust. People with allergies—especially cat allergies—are at higher risk, as asthma and allergies often coincide. A recent virus or infection can also trigger the onset of asthma. Adults with asthma don’t always experience it first in childhood. One important difference between childhood asthma and adult-onset asthma is that the symptoms in adults are usually persistent and require ongoing treatment, while children often experience intermittent asthma that only needs treatment at the time of an attack.

P.S. Younger children with asthma may see it clear up during their teenage years, only to have it return as adult-onset asthma after age 20.

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