Asthma And Adults

Overview

Asthma is a long-term condition that affects the tubes that carry air into your lungs, called airways. In people with asthma, these airways become swollen, narrow, and produce extra mucus, which can make it harder to breathe.

Yes. Asthma is one of the most common long-term health conditions worldwide, and many adults live with it every day.

Asthma affects both men and women, and it can start in childhood or appear for the first time in adulthood. Some people may have had mild symptoms for years without realizing they have asthma.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Wheezing – a whistling sound when you breathe, especially when breathing out.
• Shortness of breath, especially during exercise or at night.
• A tight feeling in your chest.
• A cough that can be worse at night or in the early morning.

Symptoms in children

• In children, asthma can look like frequent coughing, fast or noisy breathing, getting tired more easily during play, or feeling too breathless to join in activities.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may notice shortness of breath with activity, a chronic cough, or waking up feeling tired because of night-time symptoms. These can easily be mistaken for normal ageing, so it is important to mention them to your doctor.

Causes

Main causes

• The exact cause is not fully known, but asthma usually involves a reaction of your immune system to certain triggers.
• Inflammation – your airways become swollen and sensitive.
• Muscles around the airways can tighten, causing them to narrow.

Risk factors

• Family history of asthma, eczema, or allergies.
• Smoking or being regularly exposed to second-hand smoke.
• Air pollution, dust, pollen, mould, or pet dander.
• Being overweight or having obesity.
• Working in environments with chemical fumes, dust, or other irritants.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you notice any of the emergency symptoms listed above, call your local emergency number immediately.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have symptoms that are waking you up, limiting your daily activities, or making you use your reliever treatment several times a week.
• If you have been diagnosed with asthma and you feel it is not well controlled – for example, you have missed work or you avoid exercise because of your breathing.
• For a regular asthma review at your doctor’s practice, even if you feel well.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, your medical history, and any family members with asthma or allergies. They will also listen to your lungs and may ask you to do some breathing tests. There is no single test that diagnoses asthma, so the process often involves checking how your lungs respond over time.

Tests that may be done

• Spirometry – you take a deep breath and blow out as hard and fast as you can into a tube. The machine measures how much air you can blow out and in how fast.
• Peak flow measurement – you blow into a small hand-held device to measure how fast you can push air out of your lungs. This may be done at home for a few weeks to see how your breathing varies during the day.
• A trial of medication – sometimes doctors recommend a short trial of a reliever treatment to see if your symptoms improve.

What to expect at your appointment

It may take more than one appointment to confirm asthma. Your doctor will want to see if your symptoms come and go, and they may ask you to keep a symptom diary. Do not worry – it is a thorough process to make sure you get the right diagnosis and care.

Treatment

The main goal of treatment is to help you breathe easily and to stop asthma attacks before they happen. This usually involves a combination of medicines taken through an inhaler, plus a written asthma action plan that you and your doctor create together.

Self-care at home

• Learn your triggers – this may include pollen, dust, smoke, or cold air – and find ways to avoid them.
• Take your medicines exactly as prescribed, even when you feel well.
• Keep your reliever inhaler with you – but remember, if you need it very often, your asthma may not be well controlled.
• Ask your doctor for a written asthma action plan. It will tell you what to do when symptoms flare up.

Medical treatments

In general, treatments for asthma fall into two categories: a daily controller medicine that reduces airway swelling and prevents symptoms, and a quick-relief (reliever) medicine used only when symptoms appear. Many people use a single inhaler for both. Your doctor will choose the approach that suits your symptoms and lifestyle, and they will review it regularly. All medicines are inhaled directly into the lungs, which helps them act quickly and reduces side effects.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not a standard part of asthma treatment. Some people with severe asthma may be offered newer procedures such as bronchial thermoplasty, but this is only considered after trying many other treatments and should be discussed with a specialist.

Living with this condition

Living with asthma is mostly about consistency. Taking your controller treatment every day, keeping your reliever nearby for emergencies, and following your action plan when symptoms change will help you feel confident and in control. It’s also a good idea to have your inhaler technique checked now and then, because a small mistake can make a big difference.

Lifestyle tips

• Quit smoking if you smoke, and avoid being around cigarette smoke.
• Keep your home well-ventilated and dust-friendly – simple measures like washing bedding in hot water can help.
• Manage stress, as strong emotions can trigger symptoms in some people.
• Try to maintain a healthy weight – extra weight can make asthma harder to control.

Diet and exercise

There is no special diet that cures asthma, but eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables keeps your immune system strong. Regular exercise is encouraged – most people with asthma can exercise safely, especially when it is well controlled. Warming up before exercise and cooling down afterwards can help. If exercise makes you wheeze, talk to your doctor about adjusting your treatment beforehand.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with a condition that affects your breathing can be stressful. It is normal to feel anxious, especially after an asthma attack or when symptoms are not well controlled. If low mood or anxiety is affecting your life, talk to your doctor. There are effective ways to support your mental health, including talking therapies and lifestyle changes.

Prevention

For most people, asthma cannot be completely prevented. However, you can take steps to reduce the chance of an asthma attack. This includes staying up to date with vaccinations, avoiding triggers, and following your treatment plan carefully.

Vaccines

People with asthma are encouraged to stay up to date with routine vaccines, including the annual flu vaccine. A simple flu shot (or nasal spray, where appropriate) can help prevent a respiratory infection that might trigger a flare-up.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for asthma in adults. However, if you have frequent asthma symptoms, it is important to have regular check-ups with your doctor – at least once a year – to review your medicines and update your action plan.

Complications

If left untreated

• Asthma attacks that require emergency care or hospital admission.
• Long-term damage to the airways, which can make the condition harder to control over time.
• Poor sleep and low energy, which can affect your work, relationships, and quality of life.
• Reduced lung function, if the airways are chronically inflamed for many years.

Long-term outlook

The outlook for adults with asthma is very good. With the right treatment, many people have almost no symptoms and live full, active lives. Asthma may come and go, and you may need to adjust your medicines over time, but most people can keep their asthma well controlled with regular medical reviews and a sensible self-care routine.

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