Asthma in Young Adults: When to Seek Further Treatment

Asthma issues

Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask you about a concern regarding my child (currently 19 years old) after their recent visit to the clinic.
They have been experiencing frequent chest tightness and shortness of breath, so we took them to a nearby clinic for evaluation.
The doctor diagnosed them with asthma and an acute asthma exacerbation.
Is this a serious issue? Should we take them to the hospital for further examination and treatment, or are there specific things we should be aware of? Thank you for your guidance!

Ryan, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/08/15

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine

Hello, if it is indeed "asthma with status asthmaticus," it is quite serious.
However, I suspect you might have seen the diagnosis on a medical report or a prescription label? This term is usually derived from the billing codes used for health insurance claims and may not necessarily indicate that your child has been definitively diagnosed with this condition.
To confirm whether there is asthma or to assess the severity of asthma, it is recommended to visit a large hospital's pulmonary medicine department to arrange for pulmonary function tests to accurately determine the severity of asthma.
Thank you for your inquiry.

Reply Date: 2021/08/15

More Info

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that can significantly impact the quality of life, particularly in young adults. Your child's recent diagnosis of asthma and status asthmaticus (a severe exacerbation of asthma) is indeed a matter that requires careful attention.
Status asthmaticus is a medical emergency characterized by prolonged and severe asthma symptoms that do not respond to typical treatment measures. It can lead to respiratory failure if not managed promptly and effectively. Given that your child is experiencing chest tightness and wheezing, it is crucial to monitor these symptoms closely.

When to Seek Further Treatment
1. Severity of Symptoms: If your child is experiencing persistent wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness that does not improve with the use of a rescue inhaler (usually a bronchodilator like albuterol), it is essential to seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms that worsen or do not respond to medication may indicate a more severe exacerbation.

2. Frequency of Symptoms: If your child is using a rescue inhaler more than twice a week for symptom relief, this may indicate that their asthma is not well-controlled, and further evaluation and treatment adjustments may be necessary.

3. Nighttime Symptoms: If your child is experiencing asthma symptoms at night, this is a sign that their asthma may not be adequately managed. Nighttime symptoms can disrupt sleep and lead to fatigue and decreased performance during the day.

4. Physical Activity Limitations: If your child finds it difficult to engage in physical activities or experiences symptoms during exercise, this could indicate that their asthma is not well-controlled and may require further intervention.

Next Steps
- Consultation with a Specialist: It may be beneficial to refer your child to a pulmonologist or an allergist who specializes in asthma management. They can perform a comprehensive evaluation, including lung function tests (spirometry), to assess the severity of the asthma and tailor a treatment plan accordingly.

- Medication Review: The current treatment regimen should be reviewed. Long-term control medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids, may be necessary to manage chronic symptoms and reduce the frequency of exacerbations.
- Asthma Action Plan: Work with your healthcare provider to develop an asthma action plan. This plan should outline daily management strategies, how to recognize worsening symptoms, and when to seek emergency care.

Lifestyle Considerations
- Avoid Triggers: Identifying and avoiding asthma triggers (such as allergens, smoke, pollution, and respiratory infections) can help manage symptoms effectively.

- Education: Educate your child about asthma, including how to use inhalers correctly and the importance of adhering to prescribed medications.

- Regular Follow-ups: Schedule regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor asthma control and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

In summary, your child's diagnosis of asthma and status asthmaticus is a serious condition that warrants close monitoring and potentially further evaluation. It is essential to be proactive in managing asthma to prevent complications and ensure a good quality of life. If symptoms persist or worsen, do not hesitate to seek further medical attention.

Similar Q&A

Managing Asthma Relapses: Tips for Young Adults and Athletes

When I was in kindergarten, I went to see a doctor due to a persistent cough and was diagnosed with asthma. However, I never experienced severe attacks, and the doctor did not prescribe me inhaled medications; I only took oral medications (once before bed). By the second grade of...

Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: 1. Please visit a pulmonologist to determine whether the symptoms are caused by asthma or other reasons. 2. If it is asthma, with appropriate management, you can still engage in normal exercise and work.

Understanding Asthma: Managing Symptoms and Preventing COPD in Adults

Hello, I had asthma from ages 10 to 16, during which I always experienced wheezing during attacks. After moving away for school and work, I no longer had wheezing episodes, but I would experience chest tightness and coughing for a few hours to a few days after catching a cold or ...

Dr. Guo Conghuai reply Internal Medicine
Hello Ms. Gina: Chest tightness or wheezing after a cold does not necessarily indicate asthma. There is a condition known as post-viral wheezing syndrome, which can mimic asthma and often persists for several weeks following a viral respiratory infection. A definitive diagnosis r...

Managing Long-Term Nighttime Asthma and Abdominal Pain: A Patient's Journey

I have suffered from asthma since childhood, but I did not experience any relapses around the ages of 13 or 14. I also have allergic rhinitis, which often leads to sinusitis. Since being diagnosed with nasal polyps in 2001 and undergoing polypectomy, the incidence of my symptoms ...

Dr. Chen Jianzhi reply Otolaryngology
Dear Inquirer, Hello, based on your literal question, your issue is indeed quite complex, and many of the descriptions are atypical, making it difficult to determine the specific condition. I would like to suggest that you visit our outpatient clinic for a more thorough understa...

Effective Treatment Strategies for Asthma and Bronchial Disorders

I have asthma and bronchial dilation issues. When I first experienced asthma, my doctor prescribed bronchodilator medications, which were effective. After several consultations, the doctor prescribed a bronchodilator inhaler (Berotec 200) and advised me to use it during an attack...

Dr. Jiang Zhenyuan reply Pulmonology
(1) The English term for asthma is Bronchial asthma, and translating it as bronchial asthma can help avoid misunderstandings. The treatment approach depends on the severity of the condition. For the mild intermittent asthma, which occurs less than once a week and has nighttime sy...