What are the Signs and Symptoms of Adult Onset Asthma?
Asthma symptoms can include: • Dry cough, especially at night or in response to specific “triggers” • Tightness or pressure in the chest • Difficulty breathing • Wheezing—a whistling sound—when exhaling • Shortness of breath after exercise • Colds that go to the chest or “hang on” for 10 days or more How Does Adult Onset Asthma Compare with Childhood Asthma? Unlike children who often experience intermittent asthma symptoms in response to allergy triggers or respiratory infections, adults with newly diagnosed asthma generally have persistent symptoms. Daily medications may be required to keep asthma under control. After middle age, most adults experience a decrease in their lung capacity. These changes in lung function may lead some physicians to overlook asthma as a possible diagnosis. Untreated asthma can contribute to even greater loss of lung function! How is Adult Onset Asthma Diagnosed? Asthma symptoms can mimic other illnesses or diseases—especially in older adults. Hiatal hernia
