How can I manage lifelong childhood asthma at age 24?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 24-year-old male and have had asthma since I was around five years old. As a child, my parents managed everything, but now I am living alone and working full-time.

Cold air, dust, and even strong perfumes can trigger my symptoms. How does someone at 24 with lifelong asthma manage attacks in adult life? I carry a rescue inhaler, but sometimes I feel like I am reacting more severely than before, especially during respiratory infections.

Please advise.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

At 24 years old, living with asthma for life is mostly about avoiding the flare-ups and knowing how to act quickly when symptoms worsen. It would appear that your symptoms are provoked by cold air, dust, strong perfumes and respiratory infections. It is important to try and avoid these triggers where possible. It’s also important that you keep your rescue inhaler with you at all times.

From your description, it is clear you feel your asthma attacks are becoming more severe, especially during respiratory infections. This could mean your asthma is not as well controlled as it could be.

I recommend arranging a follow-up appointment with your provider to discuss your current treatment plan. Many adults with asthma that lasts a long time find that using a controller inhaler on a regular basis, and a rescue inhaler for symptoms, is helpful.

It is also useful to have an individualised asthma action plan that explains what you should do if your asthma gets worse. Monitoring your symptoms and knowing the early warning signs can help prevent severe attacks.

Call 911 if you have : Very bad trouble breathing . Trouble talking . Tightness in your chest that gets worse very fast . Symptoms that get worse after using your rescue inhaler .

With the right treatment, good control of asthma and a clear strategy for dealing with it, most adults with childhood asthma can lead normal, active and healthy lives.

I hope you find this reply helpful.

Thanks.