Asthma is a chronic condition that involves inflammation in the lungs. This is considered as a common condition affecting millions of individuals all over the globe. Adult-onset and childhood-onset asthma are the same since they share similar symptoms and have similar medications. Nevertheless, children who have asthma usually face different challenges than those who have adult-onset asthma. You can register for first aid training so that you know what to do during an attack.
What is childhood-onset asthma?
Millions of children below 18 years old have asthma. Some experience an asthma attack every year. Asthma is one of the leading cause of hospitalization of children 15 years and younger. Luckily, the asthma-related deaths among children are rare.
What is adult-onset asthma?
Even though asthma is a common during childhood, anyone can develop the condition at any point in life. It is not uncommon for individuals over 50 years old to be diagnosed with the condition.
Among adults who have asthma, it is essentially allergy-induced asthma due to exposure to certain allergens. These allergens are substances that are harmless but can cause an immune reaction among those who are highly sensitive. Take note that allergies are common in all age groups. Children who have allergies might not suffer asthma due to exposure to allergens when they are younger. As time passes by, their bodies start to react in a different way once exposed to allergens, thus resulting to adult-onset asthma.
Common characteristics
Healthcare professionals do not know what exactly causes an individual to develop asthma. Allergies can trigger the symptoms of the condition. Genetics also play a role as well as the environment. The precise reason why an individual develops asthma is still unclear. Both adult-onset and childhood asthma tend to share similar triggers. For asthmatics of any age, being exposed to these triggers can trigger an attack.
- Mold and mildew
- Smoke
- Feather bedding
- Air pollution
- Cockroaches
- Dust mites
- Cold temperature
- Animal dander
- Cold or respiratory infections
- Dry air
- Exercise
- Stress
What are the differences?
Children who are analyzed with the condition have intermittent symptoms. Oftentimes, allergens trigger an asthma attack and sometimes do not. As for adults, the symptoms can be persistent. Daily management is often needed to keep the symptoms and flare-ups under control.
In most cases, children are analyzed with asthma have symptoms that completely vanish or less severe throughout puberty. By age 20, they might find that their symptoms reappear for a short period of time before vanishing again. Take note that this cycle can continue up to the 30s or 40s.
Treatment
Both adults and children can utilize one or both of the commonly used treatment options – quick-relief medications and long-term medications. The fast-relief medications are specifically structured to relieve the symptoms triggered by an allergic reaction or flare-up of the condition.
The long-standing medications work by reducing the inflammation and swelling for a longer period to prevent an allergy attack. These medications are usually taken for months or even years. Many adults and children who have asthma utilize a combination of these medications to manage the condition.