When symptoms of asthma are first identified in an adult, i.e. a person who is twenty years old, or older, the person is said to have adult onset asthma. Adult onset asthma is commonly seen in women than in men. Women who are going through hormonal changes, such as women who are going through pregnancy or menopause are at high risk of developing adult onset asthma. Women who have been taking oestrogen pills for ten years or more after menopause are also at risk.

Adult Onset Asthma Causes

Although almost thirty percent of the adult onset asthma cases were triggered by allergies. Obesity is also considered to significantly increase the risk of adult onset asthma in people. The real cause of adult onset asthma is uncertain. Irritants such as tobacco smoke, dust, allergens, fumes and strong odors, infections, Medications, foods can trigger asthma in adults. Such irritants are called, ”asthma triggers”

Sometimes, adult onset asthma is triggered in workplaces due to work place irritants like sawdust and so on. Asthma that is triggered due to such occupational irritants is called “occupational asthma”. People who have asthma should avoid working in mines, metal foundries, and should avoid undertaking woodwork, and baking. The normal symptoms of adult onset asthma are, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Once these symptoms are shown it is better to consult your physician immediately.

Adult Onset Asthma Diagnosis and Treatment

Adult onset asthma can be kept under control with the use of proper medication prescribed by a physician. A doctor may try to diagnose adult onset asthma by checking a patient’s medical history, or by listening to his breathing. If he further wishes to confirm the presence of adult onset asthma, he may use a device called “Spiro meter”. A Spiro meter is a device that measures how much air can be exhaled by a person after first taking a deep breath.

If the Spiro meter fails to deliver a clear result, the person has to undergo methacholine challenge test. Methacholine is a chemical, that when inhaled causes the airways to narrow if adult onset asthma is present. If the lung function of the person drops below twenty percent, a bronchodilator is given to reverse the effects of methacholine. Chest X-rays are also taken, but often, a person with adult onset asthma may show normal results.