Differences Between Childhood and Adult-Onset Asthma

Asthma is a lung disorder that causes those who suffer from it to experience symptoms of swelling and inflammation in their lungs. It usually is more common in children but it is possible to develop it any age. In fact, a lot of people over 50 are diagnosed with asthma. The main trigger of adult-onset asthma is allergies, an immune reaction to certain allergens. Some of the allergens that cause an asthma attack can be:

• Dust
• Dry Air
• Cold Temperatures
• Exercise
• Smoke
• Mold and Mildew
• Pollen
• Animal Fur, Dander, or Saliva

Symptoms of Adult and Childhood Asthma

Since asthma swells the lungs, the most common symptom is difficulty in breathing and chest tightness. There a lot of similarities for children and adults when they experience an asthma attack. Adult-onset and childhood asthma exhibit a lot of the following symptoms:

• Pressure in Chest
• Difficulty Breathing After Physical Activity
• Pain in Chest
• Congestion
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Excessive Mucus Secretion in Airways
• Trouble Sleeping

Differences Between Adult-Onset and Childhood Asthma

While the symptoms are the same, the way the attacks are triggered and the frequency of attacks are different for children and adults. For children, they are more sensitive to allergens and are prone to asthma attacks because their bodies are still developing. In some cases, children diagnosed with asthma when they are younger discover they no longer have it when they start puberty. However, there is a chance the asthma will come back. In adults, the effects of asthma are usually persistent and they require constant treatment to control symptoms.

If you or someone in your family experiences any of asthma symptoms, please schedule an appointment with our asthma and allergy specialists in Somerset County, NJ, and surrounding towns to learn about treatment plans. We can be reached at (908) 526-0200 or email us at info@bestallergycare.com.