Could I Have Asthma as a Kid and Not as an Adult?
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Symptoms of asthma can be terrifying, especially if you or a loved one are experiencing breathing challenges for the first time without immediate explanation. At Dr. Avi Ishaaya Centers, board-certified physician and pulmonologist Dr. Avi Ishaaya and his professional team serve patients in and around Los Angeles, CA by addressing their respiratory needs. Patients with symptoms of acute and chronic asthma have access to thorough pulmonary examinations and long-term treatment solutions to improve breathing and increase their quality of life.
What is asthma?
Asthma is a respiratory condition that causes the airways to narrow or constrict due to inflammation in the lungs. The body responds to this constriction by producing thick mucus that is challenging to cough up. This results in extreme difficulty breathing, which can be dangerous if left untreated.
What are the symptoms of asthma?
Symptoms may vary depending on the person and what triggers the asthma attack. Common signs of asthma or an asthma attack include:
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Tightness in the chest
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Increased mouth breathing
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Throat irritation
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Coughing
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Wheezing
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Anxiety
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Rapid breathing
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Shortness of breath
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Elevated heart rate
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Weakness
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Fatigue
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headaches
Breathing problems could indicate asthma or any number of respiratory illnesses. If an individual is experiencing symptoms for the first time that impacts their ability to breathe, it’s essential to seek medical help right away.
What triggers an asthma attack?
Asthma attacks are usually triggered by physical exercise or environmental elements, such as allergens. In some cases, asthma attacks and symptoms can flare up during respiratory illness or viral infections. At Dr. Avi Ishaaya Centers, we want patients to detect their unique triggers early to prevent and manage asthma attacks in the future.
Why is it important to detect asthma early?
Symptoms of acute and chronic asthma generally manifest in the same manner and can impact anyone across the age span. Young children may have trouble describing their breathing issues to adults, which puts them at risk of not being treated and experiencing life-threatening and debilitating symptoms. Inefficient breathing impedes oxygen production, which can cause long-term damage to the brain and body tissues. Severe asthma with frequent attacks can be fatal if left untreated.
How do doctors test for asthma?
Initial assessments for asthma can confirm your symptoms and potential triggers for asthma flare-ups. Dr. Avi Ishaaya provides pulmonary function tests (PFT), the methacholine challenge, and the inflammation assessment with nitric oxide. Dr. Ishaaya asks each patient to prepare for testing by:
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Avoiding physical exercise at least 30 minutes before the examination
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Wearing loose clothing to not constrict breathing
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Eating a small amount of food rather than a large meal
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Avoiding smoking or alcohol consumption before testing
Dr. Ishaaya also collects each patient’s personal history and lets them know if they need to fast from any specific medications to optimize test results.
What treatment options are available for asthma?
Treatment regimens are selected based on the severity of symptoms and Dr. Ishaaya’s professional recommendations. Typical treatments may include any of the following:
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Rescue inhaler for sudden onset of symptoms
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Maintenance medications to reduce inflammation of lung tissue
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Nebulizer treatments
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Allergy testing and treatment
Can I have asthma as a kid and not as an adult?
In some cases, children will age out of their asthma symptoms. This is more common for people who have been diagnosed with asthma at a young age. For instances of chronic asthma, symptoms and flare-ups can occur well into adulthood.
Learn more about assessing and treating asthma in Los Angeles
If you or a loved one is experiencing any symptoms that could indicate asthma, including shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, contact Dr. Avi Ishaaya Centers and schedule an appointment today. Dr. Avi Ishaaya works with patients in and around Los Angeles, CA, and will walk you through the steps to assess, diagnose, and treat asthma so you can get back to your daily routine.