You can outgrow your shoes, your pants and even your teddy bear. But can you outgrow asthma? Unfortunately, the idea you can leave asthma behind once you’re an adult is -- in many cases -- just a myth. 

When asthma won’t let go 

Asthma is the most common long-term disease in children. But it can affect people for their entire lives. While it’s true that some see their asthma fade as they get older, many others don’t. Or their asthma may disappear for a while and then reappear later. Sadly, it’s quite common for asthma to come back.  

Who is at risk? 

Doctors can’t easily predict which people will see their asthma return or continue later in life. But certain people may be more likely to have asthma through their adult years. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, people most likely to keep having asthma as adults are: 

• People who developed asthma as youngsters, around age nine 
• Women 
• Smokers 
• People allergic to dust mites  

Keeping asthma under control 

Many of the same tips that help keep childhood asthma under control also work for adults. You can reduce the risk of asthma attacks by avoiding certain triggers that can make asthma worse, such as smoke. Here are some other tips to help avoid triggers: 

• Use mattress and pillowcase covers to decrease dust mite allergens
• Don’t let pets sleep in the bedroom
• Keep indoor humidity between 35 percent and 50 percent to control allergy-causing mold 

Even if you don’t outgrow asthma, remember that it can be managed daily for active adult living. 

To learn more about Asthma and the Taking on Asthma initiative, visit our website!

Sources: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 2018

Originally published: June 13, 2016