Asthma At Any Age

Overview

Asthma is a long-term lung condition that affects your airways — the tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs. When you have asthma, these airways can become swollen and narrow, making it hard to breathe. You may also produce extra mucus, which can make breathing even more difficult.

Yes, asthma is one of the most common long-term health conditions worldwide. It affects millions of people, and the number of people with asthma has been rising over the past few decades.

Asthma can start in childhood, but it can also appear for the first time in adults — even in later life. It affects both men and women, although patterns change with age. Children are more likely to have asthma that triggers allergic symptoms, while adults may develop asthma after a respiratory infection or due to workplace exposures.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Wheezing — a whistling sound when you breathe
• Shortness of breath — feeling like you cannot get enough air
• Tightness or heaviness in the chest
• Coughing, especially at night, early morning, or during exercise

Symptoms in children

• Rapid or noisy breathing
• Coughing during play, laughter, or exercise
• Being less active or avoiding play
• Feeling tired more quickly than usual
• Feeding difficulties in babies and toddlers

Symptoms in older adults

• Breathlessness during everyday activities, such as climbing stairs
• A persistent cough that may be mistaken for a cold or ageing
• Tightness in the chest or wheezing
• Waking up at night because of breathing symptoms

Causes

Main causes

• The exact cause of asthma is not fully understood, but it usually involves a mix of genetic and environmental factors.
• When a person with asthma comes into contact with a trigger, their airways become inflamed and tighten.
• Common triggers include pollen, house dust mites, pet dander, respiratory infections, cold air, air pollution, cigarette smoke, and strong emotions.

Risk factors

• Having a family history of asthma or allergies (such as hay fever or eczema)
• Having an allergic condition yourself
• Being exposed to tobacco smoke — especially during childhood
• Living in areas with high air pollution
• Exposure to certain chemicals, dusts, or substances at work
• Having had a severe respiratory infection early in life

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you or your child have recurrent wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath that affects daily life or sleep
• If you need to use a reliever inhaler more often than usual or it is not working as well
• If you have a flare-up and are worried about your breathing

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you suspect you might have asthma — a cough or wheeze that lasts more than a few weeks
• If you have an existing asthma diagnosis and need a review of your action plan
• If you have questions about your medications or how to manage symptoms

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your symptoms, family history, and possible triggers. They will listen to your chest and may do breathing tests to see how well your lungs are working. There is no single test for asthma, so the diagnosis is based on a pattern of symptoms and test results.

Tests that may be done

• Spirometry — you blow into a tube to measure how much air you can exhale and how fast
• Peak flow measurement — you use a small handheld device to measure how well air moves out of your lungs
• FeNO test — you breathe into a machine that measures inflammation in your airways
• Allergy tests — skin or blood tests to check for common allergic triggers

What to expect at your appointment

Your doctor may ask you to keep a symptom diary or measure your peak flow at home for a few weeks. In some cases, a diagnosis is not immediately clear, especially in children or older adults, and you may be referred to a respiratory specialist for further tests.

Treatment

Asthma treatment is designed to control the condition, prevent symptoms, and help you live an active life. Most people with asthma receive a personalised asthma action plan that explains which medicines to take, how to adjust them, and when to seek urgent help. Treatment is usually adjusted step by step — more support if symptoms are not controlled, less support if symptoms are well controlled for a long time.

Self-care at home

• Follow your written asthma action plan
• Take your regular preventer medicines as prescribed, even when you feel well
• Learn to recognise early signs of a flare-up, such as a tickly cough or a dip in your peak flow reading
• Always carry your reliever inhaler with you if you have been prescribed one
• Avoid your known triggers as much as possible
• Keep up with routine asthma check-ups — at least once a year

Medical treatments

Doctors generally recommend two main types of inhalers: a preventer inhaler, which you use every day to reduce inflammation in your airways, and a reliever inhaler, which gives quick relief when symptoms appear. Some people need add-on treatments, such as inhaled long-acting bronchodilators, tablets, or injectable biologics for severe asthma. The right choice depends on your age, symptoms, and how well your asthma is controlled. Your doctor will work with you to find the best plan.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not a usual treatment for asthma. In rare cases of very severe asthma, specialist procedures such as bronchial thermoplasty may be offered, but this is only considered after other treatments have not helped.

Living with this condition

With a good action plan, you can do most normal activities. Take your preventer medicine every day if prescribed, keep your reliever close by, and check in with your healthcare team regularly. Many people with asthma enjoy sports, travel, and full careers — the key is good control.

Lifestyle tips

• If you smoke, take steps to quit — avoid second-hand smoke too
• Keep your home ventilated and free of damp and mould
• Minimise dust mites by washing bedding in hot water and using allergen-proof covers
• If pets trigger symptoms, keep them out of the bedroom and off furniture
• Manage stress with relaxation techniques, exercise, and social time
• Get enough sleep — tiredness can worsen symptoms

Diet and exercise

There is no special 'asthma diet', but eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains supports overall health. Regular physical activity is good for your lungs and general wellbeing. Some people find their symptoms appear during exercise — your doctor may advise using a reliever before activity, and always warm up and cool down.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with a long-term condition like asthma can sometimes cause worry, anxiety, or low mood. Feeling stressed or upset can even make asthma symptoms worse. It is important to talk about how you feel with your doctor or nurse. If you ever feel in crisis, do not wait alone — contact your local emergency number or crisis support helpline right away.

Prevention

Asthma cannot always be prevented, but you can reduce the chance of flare-ups and keep the condition from worsening by following your treatment plan and avoiding triggers. Avoiding smoking and reducing exposure to indoor and outdoor air pollutants is especially important.

Vaccines

Annual flu vaccination and other standard vaccinations are recommended for people with asthma, because infections can trigger serious flare-ups. Ask your doctor or local health service about which vaccines are right for you.

Screening programmes

Asthma is not routinely screened in the general population. However, if you have symptoms, a family history of asthma, or other allergic conditions, it is worth discussing a check-up with your doctor — especially if your symptoms affect your daily life.

Complications

If left untreated

• Frequent symptoms that interfere with sleep, work, or school
• Severe asthma attacks requiring emergency treatment or hospital stays
• Long-term narrowing of the airways, which can lead to reduced lung function over time
• In children, poorly controlled asthma can affect growth, activity, and school attendance

Long-term outlook

The outlook for people with asthma is generally very good. With proper treatment and a personalised action plan, most people can keep symptoms under control and lead active, full lives. Even if asthma starts later in life, effective treatments are available. It may take time to find the right approach, but you should not have to accept severe symptoms as normal — always work with your healthcare team to improve your control.

Find support

International organisations

• Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) ↗
• Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) ↗

Local organisations

• NHS – Asthma ↗ · United Kingdom
• Asthma + Lung UK ↗ · United Kingdom

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