10 Breathtaking Varieties of Asthma: Your Ultimate Navigator's Guide

5. Adult-Onset Asthma

The type of asthma that develops in individuals in their adult years who have not been previously diagnosed with any form of asthma is referred to as adult-onset asthma. A patient's asthma is considered to be adult-onset asthma if they have reached their second decade of life. Some individuals are at a higher risk of developing this type of asthma, such as pregnant women, women going through menopause, women who have used estrogen after menopause for an extended period, individuals with recent respiratory illness, those with allergies, gastroesophageal reflux disease patients, and individuals frequently exposed to external or occupational irritants. Adult-onset asthma is different from childhood forms of asthma because the adult lungs have a different capacity and some functional differences when compared to the lungs of a child. Adult-onset asthma is diagnosed using a lung function test, methacholine challenge, and chest x-rays. Treatment of adult-onset asthma may include a combination of corticosteroids, short-acting bronchodilators, long-acting bronchodilators, and certain lifestyle changes.

6. Cough-Variant Asthma

Unlike traditional asthma, cough-variant asthma (CVA) doesn’t present with the hallmark symptoms of wheezing or chest tightness. Instead, it reveals itself through a persistent, dry cough—often worse at night or following exercise, cold air exposure, or talking for long periods. This type is frequently misdiagnosed as post-nasal drip or chronic bronchitis, especially in children. Left untreated, CVA can evolve into classic asthma with full-blown respiratory symptoms. Diagnosis typically requires a methacholine challenge test or spirometry. The good news? CVA responds well to traditional asthma medications like inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators. If you have a mysterious, nagging cough that won’t quit—don’t dismiss it. It might be asthma in disguise.