Warning Signs of Adult Onset Asthma Make an Appointment Ask a Question Search Conditions 17 million adults have asthma, but many people still think of it as a children’s disease. Adult onset asthma can appear in a variety of ways – National Jewish Health asthma expert David Beuther, MD, explains the symptoms. Related Videos Survey: Common Asthma Warnings Overlooked Severe Asthma Protect Your Child Against the September Epidemic Millions Diagnosed With Asthma May Not Have It Asthma and Air Pollution: What We Know Diesel Exhaust Can Predispose Unborn Babies to Asthma How Does Predisposition of Asthma Transfer from Mother to Child? Not All Wheezing is Asthma Video Transcript Did you know 17 million adults have asthma? Adult onset asthma typically has less recognizable symptoms. Many don’t know the important warning signs. I think the diversity of asthma in how it shows up and how it feels to the patient is much greater in adulthood than in childhood. Symptoms of adult onset asthma can include: Shortness of breath Wheezing Persistent cough Chest pain Trouble sleeping Call your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. Want to use this on your website? Fill out the content usage request form and then copy this code: