If you have asthma, chances are that you developed it as a young child. Many cases present themselves when you are younger when your body reacts to the triggers that irritate your lungs. But did you know that you can still develop asthma as an adult?

Just because you avoided the diagnosis as a child doesn’t mean you will avoid it for life. It is not unheard of for people in their 50s or 60s to be diagnosed!

If you need help distinguishing your symptoms between a general illness and a potential asthma diagnosis, the experts at AFC Urgent Care NC are here with the details you need.

Why Does Asthma Develop Later in Life?

When you have asthma, your body is reacting to some sort of external hazard or long term exertion. Your airway becomes irritated and inflamed, and it can be hard to breathe. In severe enough cases, it can be life-threatening.

If you develop asthma later in life, it is typically because of some sort of continued exposure or weakened lung capacity due to a lifetime of allergies. Some other reasons for developing adult onset asthma are outlined below.

Other Risk Factors for Asthma

• Continued exposure to unclean air or chemicals at work
• Pregnancy or menopause
  
• Persistent colds or flus
• Smoking or secondhand smoke
  

What Can I Do to Avoid Adult Asthma?

Like most diseases, there is no way to guarantee that you won’t develop it at some point. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can greatly reduce your risk! Eat well, stay within a healthy weight range, and avoid or stop smoking right away. Keeping your home tidy and clean and also enjoying fresh air can be beneficial for your lungs as well.

Even if you do end up with an asthma diagnosis as an adult, you can still do the things you love to do. You just have to take the time to understand your diagnosis, know your triggers and give yourself adequate rest when you need it.

Tips for Asthma Management

• See your primary care provider for physicals often.
• Never leave home without your inhaler.
• Take it easy when the pollen count is high.
• Take the time to warm up and cool down slowly.

Your asthma shouldn’t define you! If you have questions about your diagnosis, come see us at one of our AFC Urgent Care NC locations.