In short, adult asthma requires a customized approach that differs significantly from pediatric care.
- Distinct adult symptoms. Adults often experience persistent symptoms. Unlike children, adults rarely outgrow asthma and face unique challenges like declining lung function.
- Targeted medication plans. Treatment focuses on control. Doctors use specific medications to manage inflammation and prevent attacks based on the severity of the condition.
- Lifestyle factor management. Triggers change with age. Managing stress, weight, and other health conditions is crucial for effective asthma control in adults.
Understanding Adult-Onset Asthma
The treatment of asthma in adults requires a specialized approach because the condition often presents differently than it does in children. You might think of asthma as a childhood disease, but it is a chronic condition that affects millions of adults worldwide.
Unlike children, adults face the natural aging process where lung tissue becomes stiffer (less elastic), making it harder to exhale fully. This makes the treatment of asthma in adults focused on preserving lung function and managing daily symptoms.
If you have a persistent cough or wheezing, finding an allergy and asthma specialist is the first step toward relief.
How Is Adult Asthma Diagnosed?
Doctors must confirm the diagnosis before they begin the treatment of asthma in adults. They will review your medical history and perform specific tests.
Pulmonary Function Tests
Spirometry is the most common test used to diagnose asthma. It measures how much air you can inhale and exhale, as well as how fast you can exhale. This test helps doctors determine if your airways are narrowed.
Methacholine Challenge
This test may be necessary if spirometry results are normal but asthma is still suspected. You will inhale a substance called methacholine (Provocholine) that causes mild constriction in your airways. If you react to the methacholine, you likely have asthma.
Exhaled Nitric Oxide Test
Doctors may measure the amount of nitric oxide in your breath. High levels of nitric oxide indicate inflammation in your bronchial tubes.
What Medications Are Used for Adults?
Medications are the cornerstone of the treatment of asthma in adults. There is no single cure, but the right drugs can prevent symptoms and stop attacks.
Long-Term Control Medications
These drugs are taken daily to keep asthma under control. Inhaled corticosteroids usually serve as the primary defense. Drugs such as fluticasone reduce inflammation in the airways.
Quick-Relief Medications
You take these medications when symptoms flare up. While albuterol is a common rescue inhaler, modern guidelines often recommend ‘combination inhalers’ (containing both a steroid and a bronchodilator) for symptom relief. This approach treats the underlying inflammation while opening the airway.
They are essential for treating sudden attacks, but do not replace long-term control.
Biologics for Severe Asthma
For some adults, traditional inhalers do not provide enough relief. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine highlights the effectiveness of biologics in reducing asthma exacerbations. These injectable medications target specific cell pathways that cause inflammation.
Why Are Allergies Important in Treatment?
Allergies are a major trigger for many adult asthma patients. If you search for an allergist near you, you’ll find specialists who can identify specific triggers.
Identifying Environmental Triggers
Common allergens include pollen, dust mites, and pet dander. An allergy and asthma specialist near you can perform skin or blood tests to pinpoint what sets off your symptoms.
Allergy Immunotherapy
Allergy shots or tablets help your body build tolerance to allergens. This reduces the frequency of asthma attacks triggered by allergic reactions. It is a vital component of the treatment of asthma in adults for those with allergic asthma.
How Do Lifestyle Factors Affect Treatment?
The treatment of asthma in adults must account for other health conditions and lifestyle choices. Adults often deal with comorbidities that children do not have.
Managing Obesity
Excess weight can worsen asthma symptoms and make medications less effective. A study by the CDC indicates that obesity is significantly associated with more severe asthma outcomes. Weight loss is often a recommended part of the treatment plan.
Controlling Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Acid reflux can damage airways and trigger asthma symptoms. Treating GERD is often necessary to achieve full control over asthma.
Avoiding Smoke and Irritants
Smoking is detrimental to lung health. Quitting smoking is the most important step a patient can take. Additionally, avoiding secondhand smoke and workplace irritants is critical for the treatment of asthma in adults.
The Importance of an Asthma Action Plan
An asthma action plan is essential for every adult with asthma. It is a personalized guide that helps you effectively manage your condition and respond to changes in your symptoms.
Monitoring Symptoms
An asthma action plan helps you track and identify early warning signs of worsening asthma. This may include monitoring peak flow readings, noting changes in symptoms like coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath, or observing how well you respond to triggers. Early recognition allows for quicker intervention and better control.
Managing Medications
Your doctor will provide detailed instructions on when and how to adjust your medications based on your symptoms or peak flow readings. This includes knowing when to use quick-relief inhalers, increase preventative medication, or start additional treatments.
Managing mild flare-ups at home reduces the risk of them turning into severe, uncontrolled episodes.
Knowing When to Seek Medical Help
The action plan provides clear guidance on when to seek emergency medical care. It includes specific thresholds, such as dangerously low peak flow readings or symptoms that do not improve despite medication. These critical steps can help prevent life-threatening situations and ensure timely intervention.
Having an asthma action plan not only empowers you to take control of your health but also provides peace of mind by outlining clear steps to address any situation.
Why Should You See a Specialist for the Treatment of Asthma in Adults in Sarasota and Manatee County?
Managing asthma requires expert care. General practitioners can handle mild cases, but an allergy and asthma specialist offers advanced care.
Intercoastal Medical Group provides comprehensive asthma care tailored to your needs. Our specialists understand the complexities of the treatment of asthma in adults and work with you to improve your quality of life.
Do not let asthma limit your daily activities. If you need an allergist, trust our experienced team to help you breathe easier. Call us today at our clinic near you or use our online appointment request form.
