Asthma Varieties: Root Causes and Remedies
Asthma, a chronic respiratory condition, affects a significant number of people in the United States. According to recent statistics, approximately 9.4% of children and 7.7% of adults in the country are diagnosed with asthma. This article aims to shed light on the key differences between adult-onset and childhood asthma, their triggers, symptoms, and treatment options.
Childhood asthma, which typically presents before the age of 18, is characterised by symptoms such as wheezing, coughing (especially at night), chest tightness, and shortness of breath during exercise or infections. In contrast, adult-onset asthma, which begins after the age of 18, tends to be more persistent and may include symptoms like a persistent cough, wheezing with expiration, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing even at rest.
The triggers for these two types of asthma differ significantly. In childhood asthma, common triggers include allergens (dust mites, pet dander, pollen), respiratory infections, and environmental irritants. On the other hand, adult-onset asthma is frequently linked to lifestyle and environmental changes such as air pollution, stress, hormonal changes, obesity, and chronic respiratory infections. Allergens can also trigger adult asthma, but exposure to new environmental or occupational irritants may initiate symptoms later in life.
Both types of asthma require personalised management plans focused on controlling inflammation and preventing flare-ups. Treatment for childhood asthma often involves inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators, with an emphasis on controlling allergens and infections. Adult-onset asthma may require long-term treatment due to its persistent nature, including corticosteroids, long-acting bronchodilators, and lifestyle modifications such as stress management and weight control.
Seasonal asthma symptoms flare up in certain conditions or at particular times of the year, such as during hay fever season, cold or hot weather, thunderstorms, and sudden changes in temperature. People with difficult-to-control asthma may have underlying health conditions, take medication incorrectly, or be exposed to smoking or smoky environments.
It is essential for people with asthma, particularly those with difficult-to-control symptoms, to seek help from a specialist. A specialist can help manage symptoms by ensuring medication is taken correctly and addressing any underlying health conditions or environmental factors. People with allergic asthma may also have another allergic condition, such as eczema.
In the U.S., asthma is considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and section 508 if it affects a person's ability to carry out everyday activities. Inhalers can be used before exercise to help manage symptoms of exercise-induced asthma.
Severe asthma, which affects around 4% of all adults with asthma, can be life-threatening. Treatment for severe asthma may include biologics and other medications that modify the immune system and have a longer-lasting effect.
In conclusion, while childhood asthma is more influenced by genetics and often improves with age, adult-onset asthma tends to be more persistent and linked to environmental/lifestyle factors. Both require careful identification of specific triggers and tailored treatment to manage symptoms effectively.
- Recognizing the differences between adult-onset and childhood asthma is crucial in providing personalized and effective treatment.
- Childhood asthma typically presents before age 18 and is often linked to allergens, respiratory infections, and environmental irritants.
- In contrast, adult-onset asthma starts after age 18 and may be triggered by lifestyle factors such as air pollution, stress, hormonal changes, obesity, and chronic respiratory infections.
- Treatment for childhood asthma usually involves inhaled corticosteroids, bronchodilators, and allergen control measures, while adults might need long-term treatment with corticosteroids, bronchodilators, and lifestyle modifications.
- Seasonal asthma symptoms may flare up during certain conditions, like hay fever season, extreme temperatures, and weather changes, and can be difficult to manage for some individuals.
- People with severe asthma, affecting around 4% of all adults with the condition, might require biologics and other medications with longer-lasting effects to manage their symptoms.
- In the U.S., asthma is considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and section 508 if it affects a person's ability to carry out everyday activities.
