Adult onset Asthma?

@cwal Asthma and Bronchiectasis often go together.
I was diagnosed with asthma at the age of forty, but realize I probably have had it since about the age of 11 or 12, around the same time I regularly began suffering from pneumonia and sinus infections. Silly me - I had two asthmatic kids and two nieces, and I never connected my symptoms with theirs because my "triggers" were different.
I learned that asthma and pneumonia (either one severe case or a number of infections) can often be predictive of developing bronchiectasis.
Others are like you, suggestion comes during treatment for MAC and or Bronchiectasis.

Here was a game-changer for me -my pulmonologist decided my Asthma was primary - chest tightness, shortness of breath - and Bronchiectasis secondary. Since I did not have any active MAC or other infection, she started me on a med originally for COPD, Symbicort. It contains formoterol, a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) that opens airways like albuterol or levalbuterol, but is effective for 10-12 hours instead of 2-3. Yes, it contains a corticosteroid, but there is a formulation with a very low dose, and so far has not caused me any problem.

What treatment has been suggested to you?
Sue

I also have adult onset asthma. The only symptom I was aware of before my diagnosis was a persistent cough, like @pacathy. It took a lot of time and testing to rule out other causes of cough and finally diagnose me with asthma. During my testing period, they even thought I might have gastrointestinal reflux, and I was given meds for that. In the end the doctor decided I did not have reflux.

I was uncertain about my asthma diagnosis at first. I'm not sure why, but I guess I was surprised it wasn't mentioned before (likely cause it wasn't there yet, only allergies discovered in early high school). I think I also didn't want to be asthmatic. I realized over time I actually had inaudible wheezing. I also found Albuterol calmed my coughing, though usually temporarily. When I really could not get my coughing to calm down, usually post-travel, Prednisone did the trick. The medications working helped convince me that I truly had asthma.

@squire123 - I agree that asthma medications can be costly. We really take my meds for this under consideration each year when selecting our medical insurance plan.

Wondering if you would share more about your smart vest and how it's used?

I’m the same as you. I’m 71 years old and have had an annoying cough for years. I went to several specialists to figure out why. I’ve seen an allergist/immunologist. No allergies. Doctor gave me something for acid reflux. Still coughing.
Went to an ENT. Doctor gave me a nose spray. Still coughing.
Saw a pulmonologist. He said I had COPD. He gave me an inhaler.
Right now I’m only on my second week with an inhaler.
Coughing seems to be a little less. But, now I’ve had a hoarse voice and stuffy nose? Could this be a side effect from the Trelogy Inhaler? The doctor says not likely.
I just want to stop coughing! Help!

I was having coughing and phlegm issues, so I went in for diagnosis. At that time, I too was diagnosed with COPD which was several years ago. Knowing COPD is a progressive illness, and I was not getting any worse, I decided to get retested about 6 months ago. Guess what, they informed me I do not have COPD by I have age onset asthma. So instead of treating me for COPD, they are treating my asthma. I am still fighting with Phlegm issues. I really doubt if I ever find anything that will help. Good luck.