Open AccessAdult-onset asthma: is it really different?
Author(s) -
Selma B. de Nijs,
Lisette N. Venekamp,
Elisabeth H. Bel
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
european respiratory review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.565
H-Index - 66
eISSN - 1600-0617
pISSN - 0905-9180
DOI - 10.1183/09059180.00007112
Subject(s) - medicine , asthma , identification (biology) , lung function , mechanism (biology) , phenotype , age of onset , asthma management , intensive care medicine , immunology , pediatrics , lung , disease , philosophy , biochemistry , botany , chemistry , epistemology , gene , biology
Asthma that starts in adulthood differs from childhood-onset asthma in that it is often non-atopic, more severe and associated with a faster decline in lung function. Understanding of the underlying mechanism of adult-onset asthma and identification of specific phenotypes may further our understanding of pathophysiology and treatment response, leading to better targeting of both existing and new approaches for personalised management. Pivotal studies in past years have led to sustained progress in many areas, ranging from risk factors for development, identification of different phenotypes, and introduction of new therapies. This review highlights and discusses literature on adult-onset asthma, with special focus on the differences from childhood-onset asthma, risk factors for development, phenotypes of adult-onset asthma and new approaches for personalised management.