Understanding the Root of the Problem: Late-Onset Asthma Usually Caused by Infection

If you were in good health, and suddenly developed coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, you went to your doctor.  Your doctor would diagnose you with “Bronchitis” and you would be given antibiotics.

However, if your symptoms wouldn’t clear up in a week or two, your doctor would more than likely diagnose you with Adult Onset Asthma.  You might be referred to a specialist (Allergist or Pulmonologist).  You would be prescribed oral steroid pills and/or inhalers, and most of your symptoms would get better, but truly never go away.  Odds are that for the rest of your life you would be diagnosed as an Asthmatic, and would remain on combinations of inhalers, steroid pills and/or antibiotics. 

Over time your symptoms of cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing, and fatigue would persist, with usually only prednisone offering you some temporary relief.

This scenario is not uncommon, and it does put you at great risk of lifestyle changes and premature death.  But here is what you may not know, and what few doctors want you to know, that late onset asthma is usually not caused by allergies and cannot be improved by allergy shots.

Dr. Richard Martin, MD, Chairman of the Department of Medicine at National Jewish Hospital in Denver, Colorado, reported in the mid 1990’s that he had successfully treated 45 patients with antibiotics.  He was specifically targeting 2 airborne bacteria (mycoplasma pneumoniae and chlamydia pneumonia).  The vast majority of these patients were improved in every measurable degree.   

The Journal of the American Medical Association reviewed articles showing that asthma that starts after puberty can be caused by an infection. (Mycoplasma, Chlamydia) are bacteria that are unique because they live inside of cells and are extraordinarily difficult to grow in culture media in the laboratory and therefore are extremely difficult to find with routine culture techniques. That’s why we dig deeper—a LOT deeper. Over 20,000 of our patients are now breathing easy and living the active lives they want—and deserve.