Numerous Americans are diagnosed with asthma each year. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), over 25 million Americans have asthma. That’s about one in every 13.
Women have a higher risk of developing asthma than males do, and the AAFA reports that more children than any other chronic ailment are affected by asthma.
But can you “outgrow” your asthma, and does it ever really go away? The answer is yes, sort of and occasionally.
Although this is more common in children, some adults also experience remission of their asthma symptoms and go on to have normal, symptom-free lives. It’s not always possible to “outgrow” asthma, though. Symptoms may return on their own accord, sometimes even years later.
Learn more about asthma, how symptoms improve, and who has the best chance of seeing remission in this informative article.
What Is Asthma?
Asthma is indeed a chronic lung condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways. This inflammation and constriction can lead to various symptoms, including wheezing, coughing (particularly during specific times of the day), chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
The severity and frequency of these symptoms can determine the type of asthma a person has. The classifications of asthma include intermittent asthma, mild persistent asthma, moderate persistent asthma, and severe persistent asthma. Each type is characterized by different symptom patterns and their impact on daily life.
While asthma cannot be cured, it can be effectively managed with appropriate treatments. Inhalers are the most commonly prescribed form of treatment. Reliever inhalers provide immediate relief by relaxing the airway muscles, while preventer inhalers are used regularly to control inflammation and prevent symptoms. Combination inhalers contain both a reliever and a preventer medication.
In more severe cases of asthma, medications such as steroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation. Certain surgeries or procedures may also be considered as treatment options.
So Does Asthma Ever Go Away Completely?
It is possible for children to outgrow asthma symptoms as they age. Some children, particularly those who started wheezing at a young age, may see their symptoms improve or completely resolve over time. However, it is not entirely clear why this happens in some children and not others.
Similarly, in adults, asthma symptoms can become less frequent or transition from persistent to intermittent. The persistence of asthma in adults is influenced by various factors, and the individual nature of the condition makes it difficult to predict how it will progress in each person.
While some individuals may experience remission or a decrease in symptoms, it’s important to note that asthma is a chronic condition, and for many people, it remains a lifelong condition that requires ongoing management. Regular monitoring, adherence to prescribed medications, and avoidance of triggers are still crucial for individuals with asthma, even if their symptoms have improved.
What Is Asthma Remission?
Remission in asthma refers to a period of time when symptoms decrease or disappear entirely for at least 12 months. There are two main types of remission: symptomatic remission and total or complete remission.
- Symptomatic remission occurs when asthma symptoms stop occurring, but it does not address the underlying cause of asthma. Therefore, there is still a possibility of symptoms returning in the future, known as relapse.
- Total or complete remission indicates that the underlying condition causing asthma is no longer causing a problem. This type of remission implies a more long-lasting resolution of symptoms, where the asthma is no longer actively present.
It is indeed possible for asthma to naturally go away on its own, particularly for those who developed asthma during childhood. Studies have reported varying rates of spontaneous remission, ranging from 2% to 52% of individuals experiencing a resolution of asthma symptoms without treatment. However, it’s important to note that even individuals who have outgrown asthma may still experience relapse later in life.
The exact reasons why some people experience remission while others do not are not fully understood. It could be influenced by various factors, including genetics, environmental exposures, and individual immune responses.
It is essential for individuals who have experienced remission of their asthma symptoms to continue monitoring their respiratory health and maintain regular follow-ups with their healthcare provider. Asthma can be a complex and unpredictable condition, and proper management is crucial even during periods of remission to ensure the best possible long-term outcomes.
Who Is Most Likely To Achieve Remission?
Achieving remission in asthma is not guaranteed, but certain factors have been identified to increase the likelihood of being symptom-free, as highlighted in a 2022 European Respiratory Journal study:
- Mild asthma: Individuals with milder forms of asthma have a higher probability of experiencing remission compared to those with more severe asthma.
- Lung function: Better lung function, as assessed through pulmonary function tests, is associated with an increased chance of remission.
- Asthma control: Well-managed asthma with minimal symptoms and exacerbations is more likely to enter a state of remission.
- Young age: Asthma that develops during childhood has a higher potential for remission compared to asthma that appears later in life.
- Length of asthma: The duration of asthma can impact the chances of achieving remission, with shorter durations potentially being more favorable.
- Airway response: Individuals with a favorable airway response to treatment and a lower degree of airway hyperresponsiveness may have a higher likelihood of remission.
- Few or no other diseases: The absence or limited presence of additional medical conditions can contribute to a better chance of remission.
- Smoking cessation or never having smoked: Quitting smoking or never having been a smoker can positively influence the possibility of achieving remission.
The study also reported that certain medications, such as biologics (monoclonal antibodies) and macrolide antibiotics like azithromycin, may aid in achieving remission. While these medications are known to be effective for other conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, their potential to control asthma symptoms and potentially slow down airway remodeling requires further research.
Additionally, a treatable traits approach focusing on managing underlying conditions, including comorbidities, smoking, anxiety and depression, physical inactivity, and obesity, can improve asthma symptom management and potentially enhance the chances of remission.
Early intervention and seeking medical help upon the first onset of asthma symptoms were highlighted as essential in the study. Timely treatment can help mitigate the progression of airway remodeling in the early stages, potentially promoting remission.
A Quick Review
While some individuals may experience complete remission of asthma symptoms and no longer require inhaled treatments, others may see their symptoms become less frequent. According to Dr. Li, the diagnosis of asthma may still remain with the patient, as there is a risk of symptom recurrence. However, if the symptoms are intermittent or mild, daily controller therapy may not be necessary.
As of November 2022, there is limited research available regarding who is likely to achieve remission and who should continue with asthma treatment. Therefore, it is important to maintain contact with an asthma specialist and seek their guidance before making any decisions to discontinue treatments.
Dr. Li advises individuals to consult with a specialist to determine the type of asthma they have and develop an appropriate treatment plan. With personalized therapy and regular follow-up, an individual’s asthma action plan can be tailored to their specific needs.
It is crucial to note that asthma is a complex condition, and its management should be done under the guidance of healthcare professionals who can provide individualized recommendations based on each person’s unique circumstances.