Asthma and adults

Asthma is common in adults. Careful, accurate diagnosis is important, because asthma symptoms can be confused with other conditions, such as heart disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

In many cases, adults with asthma had asthma or similar symptoms as children. But many people experience asthma for the first time as an adult.

Symptoms of asthma in adults#

Symptoms can differ from person to person, but common ones include:

• a feeling of tightness in the chest
• breathlessness or shortness of breath
• wheezing
• a persistent cough, especially at night or early in the morning

Asthma triggers in adults#

People with asthma have airways that are more sensitive than usual to certain things. The things that set off symptoms are called triggers. Adults are sensitive to the same kinds of triggers as younger people, but every person is different, and you may have more than one trigger that flares up your symptoms.

Triggers may include:

• outdoor allergens such as pollen or mould spores
• cigarette smoke
• dust and dust mites
• fumes, air pollution and strong odours
• respiratory infections, such as a cough, cold, COVID-19 or the flu
• some medications, such as beta-blockers (atenolol and metoprolol, among others) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• exercise and physical activity
• pet dander
• in certain circumstances, thunderstorms
• extreme emotions

Asthma medication is important#

Asthma can be well controlled with the right medication in almost all people. To maintain and improve your control, both in the short and long term, it helps to:

• have a proper diagnosis
• talk to your doctor about your triggers and how often you have symptoms
• discuss the possibility of starting or adjusting treatment

You can also discuss your symptoms and medications with your nurse or pharmacist.

The main types of medication are preventers and relievers.

• Preventers slowly make the airways less sensitive to triggers by reducing swelling and mucus inside the airways. They are taken daily — once or twice a day, depending on the medication. Some combination preventers contain two or three different medications. Preventers help control symptoms only if taken regularly, as prescribed.
• Relievers are used during an asthma attack. Everyone with asthma should always keep their reliever medicine handy.

For most people, triggers and symptoms are only a problem when asthma is not well controlled with preventer medicine.

Spacers for asthma medication#

It is recommended that all people with asthma, regardless of age, use a spacer when taking medication through a metered-dose inhaler (puffer). Spacers improve how much medication reaches your lungs and reduce side effects. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how a spacer might help you.

Good asthma control#

You have good asthma control when:

• you can do all your usual activities
• you have no symptoms during the night or on waking
• you have daytime symptoms no more than two days per week
• you need your reliever no more than two days per week

If your asthma is affecting your day-to-day activities, or you are having symptoms or needing your reliever more often, see your doctor for a review.

Asthma action plans#

Ask your doctor for a personalised, written asthma action plan. This is a set of instructions that outlines:

• how to care for your asthma day-to-day, including what medication to take
• how to tell if your asthma is getting worse
• what to do if your symptoms get worse
• what to do if you have an asthma attack

The plan should also note who prepared it and the date. Review it every year, or whenever your medications change, as your asthma will change over time.

Asthma and respiratory viruses#

Adults with asthma are not more likely to catch the flu, COVID-19 or colds than anyone else, but any respiratory virus can be more serious and longer lasting for them — even if their asthma is mild or well controlled.

You can’t fully avoid these viruses, but you can reduce your risk:

• Wash your hands before you eat or touch your face, eyes or nose.
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow.
• Avoid crowded spaces, especially where people have colds.
• Wear a mask if you can’t keep physical distance.

Talk to your doctor about yearly influenza vaccination, keeping up to date with COVID-19 and other recommended vaccinations, and having an asthma action plan.

Cigarette smoke and asthma#

Cigarette smoke is a common asthma trigger. Smoking also causes and worsens many other respiratory illnesses, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Avoid being around people who are smoking. Managing symptoms becomes easier for people with asthma if they are able to quit. Quitting can be difficult, but there are many effective options you can discuss with your doctor or pharmacist.

Key points#

• Asthma symptoms differ between people, but a common one is a feeling of tightness in the chest
• You may have more than one trigger that flares up your symptoms
• Some combination preventers contain two or three medications to help control asthma
• Preventers help control symptoms only if taken regularly, as prescribed
• Wear a mask if you can’t keep physical distance from people with respiratory infections

Where to get help#