Many people assume asthma is something that starts in childhood and is outgrown by adulthood. In reality, asthma can begin at any age. Adult-onset asthma is quite common, and it often goes undiagnosed for months because adults and their doctors may not think of it when a cough or wheeze appears for the first time in a 35-year-old or a 50-year-old.
What asthma feels like in adults
The classic symptoms are the same at any age, but in adults they can overlap with other conditions, making diagnosis trickier.
- A recurrent dry cough, especially at night or early morning, that lingers for weeks after a cold.
- Wheezing, a whistling sound when breathing out.
- Chest tightness or a feeling of a band around the chest.
- Shortness of breath on exertion, or sometimes at rest during a flare.
- Symptoms that come and go, with stretches of feeling fine in between.
In adults, a persistent cough after every viral infection is one of the most common early presentations. If every cold turns into weeks of coughing, it is worth getting a proper evaluation.
Common triggers
- Respiratory infections, including common colds and flu.
- Allergens such as dust mites, cockroach droppings, pet dander, mould, and pollen.
- Air pollution and smoke, including traffic exhaust, crop burning haze, and incense or dhoop in enclosed spaces.
- Cold air or sudden temperature changes.
- Exercise, especially in cold or dry air.
- Strong odours from perfumes, cleaning agents, or paints.
- Workplace exposures: chemicals, flour dust, wood dust, or fumes, depending on your occupation.
How asthma is diagnosed
Your doctor will take a detailed history and listen to your chest. A spirometry test, where you blow into a device that measures airflow, is the standard way to confirm the diagnosis. Sometimes a peak flow meter reading over a few weeks is used to check variability. In some cases, a chest X-ray or allergy testing may be added to rule out other conditions or identify specific triggers.
Managing asthma day to day
- Use your prescribed inhaler correctly. Inhaler technique matters enormously, and many people use their device incorrectly without realising. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to demonstrate the right technique.
- Know the difference between your reliever inhaler (used for quick relief during symptoms) and your controller inhaler (used daily to prevent symptoms). Needing the reliever more than twice a week usually means the controller needs adjustment.
- Identify and avoid your personal triggers as much as reasonably possible.
- Get an annual flu vaccine. Respiratory infections are one of the most common causes of asthma flares.
- Do not skip your controller medication when you feel well. Asthma is a condition that needs ongoing management, not just crisis response.
- Have an asthma action plan agreed on with your doctor so you know what to do when symptoms worsen.
When to get emergency help
If your breathing difficulty is severe, your reliever inhaler is not helping, you cannot speak in full sentences, your lips or fingernails look bluish, or you feel like you are suffocating, call 108 or go to the nearest hospital immediately. An acute asthma attack can be life-threatening and should never be managed at home once it crosses a certain severity.
Living with a chronic condition that can flare up unexpectedly is stressful, and that stress itself can make symptoms worse. If it is weighing on you, support is available. You can reach the free national Tele-MANAS mental health helpline at any time on 14416 (or 1800-891-4416). If you or someone near you is in immediate danger, call 108 or go to the nearest hospital.
A word from our clinic
I am Dr. Deepak Gaikwad, an internal medicine specialist with 29 years of experience, practising at Prudent International Health Clinic in Viman Nagar, Pune. If you have a cough that will not go away, unexplained wheezing, or breathlessness on exertion, come in and let us check whether asthma might be the reason. Proper diagnosis and the right inhaler plan can transform your quality of life. We are open all 7 days, 9 AM to 9 PM, with walk-ins welcome. Call or WhatsApp us on +91 70287 22200. For current pricing, call the clinic on +91 70287 22200.
