However, truly and completely outgrowingasthmaas you get older is uncommon.
Justin Paget / Getty Images
What Is True About Growing Out of Asthma?
The medical literature shows varying asthma remission rates.
Justin Paget / Getty Images
Studies show that between 5% and 69% of children go into spontaneous remission by adolescence or adulthood.
However, the criteria for outgrowing asthma in these studies vary.
The actual number is relatively small when using strict criteria for determining spontaneous remission.
A portion of these young children might be prematurelyand incorrectlydiagnosed with asthmaand then do not have symptoms later.
Their attacks might be so infrequent that they seem to have outgrown the illness.
However, healthcare providers may still be able to see signs of inflammation and airway changes in lab tests.
Sometimes, its clear that a person has not outgrown asthma, but symptoms are less severe.
For example, one study of children withsevere asthmafound that only half had severe asthma symptoms three years later.
Does Anything Help You Outgrow Asthma?
Certain medical therapies may help someone outgrow asthma, especially newerbiologicssuch as Xolair (omalizumab).
In many cases, symptoms tend to come back once the therapy is stopped.
Some factors may increase the chances that someone will outgrow asthma.
For example, this is more likely if the asthma is mild and well-controlled.
However, its not clear that it can help you outgrow asthma.
Can You Develop Asthma in Adulthood?
It is possible to develop asthma as an adult.
Compared to child-onset asthma, adult-onset asthma tends to be more severe.
It isn’t clear why some people develop asthma and others do not.
Both genetics and environmental factors likely play a role.
A greater percentage of body fat, smoking, and depression all contribute to adult-onset asthma risk.
However, some people who think they have outgrown asthma start experiencing attacks again as adults.
Your provider may prescribe additional therapies, like oral steroids.
Even if you dont need daily treatment, you may still need to have a rescue inhaler available.
Seek treatment if asthma symptoms return.
They might need to adjust yourasthma medications.
You should also make an appointment if you must use a rescue inhaler more than twice weekly.
If it’s possible for you to’t reach them promptly, go to the emergency room.
Summary
For many people who develop asthma during childhood, symptoms improve later in life.
Most people who have asthma as kids are still at some risk of future attacks later in life.
Work with a healthcare provider on your asthma action plan if you have asthma.
Cohn L.Can asthma biologics change the course of disease and induce drug-free remission?J Allergy Clin Immunol.
2020;145(1):140-146.e9.
2015;2015:514868. doi:10.1155/2015/514868
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Asthma action plan.
Wu TD, Brigham EP, McCormack MC.Asthma in the primary care setting.Med Clin North Am.
2019;103(3):435-452. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2018.12.004
