Childhood Asthma and Adult-Onset Asthma: Is There A Difference?

Asthma is a prevalent condition in children, although it may occur at any time. It’s not uncommon to come across individuals over the age of 50 with this lung issue. The symptoms and treatment of childhood asthma are comparable to those of adult-onset asthma. Children with asthma, on the other hand, face distinct challenges.

 

Allergies are a common cause of adult-onset asthma. Allergens are materials that might induce an allergic response in those who are sensitive to them. Children with allergies may not develop asthma from exposure to allergens until later in life, when their bodies can adapt and react differently with age. Adult-onset asthma is caused by allergies.

 

Symptoms of childhood and adult-onset asthma

Asthma is a lung disease that causes asthma symptoms. It’s characterized by tightness in the chest and difficulty breathing. Childhood and adult-onset asthma are associated with the following symptoms:

 

  • wheezing
  • coughing
  • congestion
  • chest pain
  • increased mucus secretion in the airways
  • pressure in the chest
  • shortness of breath after physical activity
  • difficulty sleeping
  • delayed recovery from a respiratory infection, such as a flu or cold

If you believe your child’s symptoms are caused by asthma, make an appointment with their doctor. Untreated childhood asthma can have long-term consequences.

 

What are the differences?

Although many children with asthma have only occasional symptoms, others endure debilitating ones. Allergens might induce an asthma attack in a person. Children are generally more sensitive to allergens and more prone to an asthma attack because their bodies are still developing. Some asthmatics may report that their asthma symptoms lessen or go away entirely during puberty. They can return later in life however.

 

Adult asthma attacks are seldom brief. In order to stave off asthma symptoms and flare-ups, regular therapy is often required. Allergies are linked to almost 30% of asthmatic cases in adults, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. After age 20, women are more likely to have asthma than males, while obesity raises the risk of developing it.

 

There are many medicines available for both short- and long-term therapy. It’s a good idea to make a strategy for avoiding an assault and when to seek emergency care.

 

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