How Asthma is Diagnosed in Children vs. Adults
Asthma is a health problem that makes it hard to breathe. Both children and adults can get asthma, but the way doctors check for it is different based on the person’s age. Children and adults may have the same symptoms, but the way doctors find out what is wrong can be different.
What Are the Signs of Asthma?
- A whistling sound when breathing (wheezing)
- Trouble breathing or feeling out of breath
- A tight feeling in the chest
- Coughing that doesn’t stop, especially at night or early in the morning
These symptoms happen in both kids and adults, but they can show up in different ways:
- Kids: Symptoms often happen during play, after exercise, or because of allergies or colds. Parents may notice coughing a lot at night or when playing.
- Adults: Symptoms usually show up slowly over time and can happen because of allergies, smoke, or things at work. (This is often referred to as “adult-onset” or “late-onset” asthma)
How Do Doctors Check for Asthma in Kids?
It can be hard to find out if a young child has asthma because they may not be able to explain how they feel. Here’s how doctors check:
- Talking to Parents: The doctor will ask parents about the child’s symptoms, what makes them worse, and if asthma or allergies run in the family.
- Exam and Breathing Tests: The doctor listens to the child’s breathing and might do tests to see how well their lungs work.
- Trying Asthma Medicine: If it’s not clear, the doctor might give asthma medicine to see if it helps. If it does, the child probably has asthma.
What Makes It Harder with Kids?
- Asthma can look like other sicknesses, like a cold or bronchitis.
- Little kids may have a hard time sitting still for breathing tests, so doctors may need more time to figure it out.
How Do Doctors Check for Asthma in Adults?
It’s easier for adults to explain how they feel, so doctors can often figure it out faster. Here’s what they do:
- Talking to the Adult: The doctor asks about symptoms, when they happen, and if the person has allergies. They may also ask about a history of breathing issue or lung infections.
- Exam and Breathing Tests: The doctor listens to breathing and does tests to check how the lungs are working.
- Looking for Other Problems: In adults, problems like lung disease, heart issues, or acid reflux can look like asthma. The doctor may do extra tests to make sure it’s asthma.
What’s the Difference?
- For kids, doctors rely on parents to explain symptoms. They might need to try asthma medicine to see if it works.
- For adults, doctors use lung tests and make sure no other health problems are causing the symptoms.
Why Seeing a Doctor Early Is Important
If you think you or someone you know has asthma, see a doctor. Getting help early can make it easier to manage asthma and feel better.
Resources
- American Lung Association – Asthma: www.lung.org
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Asthma cdc.gov/asthma
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) aaaai.org
- Mayo Clinic – Asthma mayoclinic.org
