Understanding asthma in children and adults
Published on November 1st, 2018 by Eric Slepian
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that roughly 25 million people in the U.S. have asthma, and this number is increasing every year.
Some people are born with asthma; others develop it due to environmental or lifestyle factors. Depending on when a person receives an asthma diagnosis, it could affect management and the support for which he or she may be eligible.
- Childhood asthma – Children are more likely to have asthma than adults. And unfortunately, the CDC notes that the rate of asthma is increasing, especially among black children. Children often have intermittent symptoms, which are often triggered by allergens. Their symptoms could disappear during puberty and then reappear during adulthood.
- Adult asthma – People who develop asthma as adults typically do so as a result of exposure to harmful chemicals or substances. For instance, many adults develop asthma after working in an occupation where they frequently inhale gas, dust or fumes. Their symptoms are more likely to be persistent and many adults require daily treatment.
Qualifying for benefits
Children and adults with asthma may be eligible for Social Security benefits if their condition is disabling and if they meet other criteria. Depending on the type of benefits pursued, this could include having a sufficient work history or limited resources.
Understand, too, that asthma can often accompany other conditions that affect a person’s daily life and medical needs as well. So, even if the asthma alone is not disabling, the combination of conditions could be disabling.
Managing asthma
If you or a loved one has asthma, managing the symptoms can be a full-time concern. In severe cases, you may not be able to go certain places; you may require ongoing and frequent medical attention; you could spend thousands of dollars every year on expenses related to the condition.
As such, getting both medical and financial support will be crucial if asthma has a debilitating or disabling impact on your well-being.
