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Published on: May 08, 2022
3 minute read
By: Second Medic Expert

Shoulder Pain In Adults

There are many potential causes of shoulder pain in adults, ranging from acute injuries to chronic conditions. Some common causes include rotator cuff tears, bursitis, arthritis, and tendonitis. If you are experiencing shoulder pain, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause and receive treatment. Depending on the underlying cause, treatment may include rest, ice packs, medications, physical therapy, or surgery. In some cases, self-care measures such as stretching and strengthening exercises can help relieve symptoms.

There are several common causes of shoulder pain in adults, including rotator cuff tears, arthritis, and bursitis. Other causes of shoulder pain can include traumas such as a fall or car accident and other medical conditions such as tumors or infection. If you are experiencing shoulder pain, it is important to see a healthcare provider who can help diagnose the cause of your pain and recommend appropriate treatment. Some treatments for shoulder pain may include physical therapy, over-the-counter medications, or surgery.

Adults can experience shoulder pain for a variety of reasons, including rotator cuff tears, frozen shoulder, bursitis, and arthritis. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty moving the shoulder. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include rest, ice packs, physical therapy, medications, or surgery. If you are experiencing shoulder pain, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment. Ignoring shoulder pain can lead to long-term damage and disability.

It's possible that the pain is being caused by a rotator cuff tear. A rotator cuff tear is a common injury in adults, and it can cause pain and difficulty raising your arm. If the pain is severe or if you're unable to move your arm, then you should see a doctor. Other causes of shoulder pain include arthritis, bursitis, and tendinitis. If the pain is mild and you've been able to continue with your normal activities, then you may want to try some self-care measures such as using ice or heat, taking over-the-counter pain medication, or doing some stretching exercises. If the pain persists or gets worse, then you should see a doctor.

When it comes to shoulder pain, there are a few things you should know. First, shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems in adults. Second, there are many potential causes of shoulder pain, ranging from injury to arthritis. Finally, effective treatment for shoulder pain depends on accurately diagnosing the cause of the problem. If you are experiencing shoulder pain, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause of the problem and to receive appropriate treatment. Some common treatments for shoulder pain include medication, physical therapy, and surgery. However, the best treatment for your individual situation may vary depending on the cause of your pain.

The most common causes are rotator cuff tears, bursitis, and arthritis. If the shoulder pain is accompanied by swelling, redness, or fever, then it's likely that you have a more serious infection and need to see a doctor right away. Other symptoms that may indicate a more serious problem include difficulty moving your arm or shoulder, numbness or tingling in your arm or hand, sudden weakness in your arm or hand, and chest pain.

Shoulder pain in adults is a common problem, and can be caused by a variety of things, including injuries, overuse, or arthritis. If you're experiencing shoulder pain, it's important to see your doctor to find out the cause and to get the appropriate treatment. In some cases, shoulder pain can be treated with conservative methods such as resting the shoulder, applying ice or heat therapy, taking medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin, or performing exercises prescribed by a physical therapist. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

Shoulder pain in adults can be caused by a variety of things, such as rotator cuff injuries, bursitis, arthritis, and others. If you are experiencing shoulder pain, it is important to visit your doctor to determine the cause and to receive proper treatment. Some common treatments for shoulder pain include anti-inflammatory medications, ice packs, physical therapy, and surgery. It is important to seek treatment for shoulder pain as soon as possible, as left untreated it can lead to long-term damage and disability.

Adult shoulder pain is often due to wear and tear on the rotator cuff muscles and tendons. The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that attach the upper arm bone (humerus) to the shoulder blade (scapula). These muscles and tendons help lift the arm. The most common cause of rotator cuff problems is overuse. This can happen when you do too much overhead reaching or lifting, such as with sports or manual labor. Rotator cuff problems can also be caused by injuries, such as a fall on an outstretched hand.

The treatment for shoulder pain will vary depending on the cause, but may include rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), physical therapy, steroid injections, and surgery. If you are experiencing shoulder pain, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.

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Asthma Symptoms in Adults: Early Signs, Triggers, and When to Seek Care

Asthma is often perceived as a childhood condition, but a significant number of cases develop or persist into adulthood. In India, adult asthma is increasingly recognised due to rising air pollution, occupational exposure and lifestyle-related risk factors. Unfortunately, asthma symptoms in adults are frequently misdiagnosed as recurrent infections, allergies or age-related breathlessness, leading to delayed treatment.

Understanding adult asthma symptoms is critical for early diagnosis, effective control and prevention of severe attacks.

What Is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. In asthma, the airways become:

inflamed
narrow
overly sensitive to triggers

This leads to difficulty in breathing, especially during exposure to specific stimuli.

Why Adult Asthma Is Often Missed

Adult asthma symptoms may:

appear gradually
vary in severity
mimic common respiratory conditions

According to Indian Council of Medical Research and WHO data, many adults remain undiagnosed for years, increasing the risk of complications.

Common Asthma Symptoms in Adults

Wheezing

A high-pitched whistling sound while breathing, especially during exhalation, is a classic asthma sign.

Shortness of Breath

Adults with asthma often feel:

breathless during routine activities
difficulty taking deep breaths

This may worsen at night or early morning.

Chest Tightness

Many describe a sensation of pressure or tightness in the chest, which can be mistaken for heart-related issues.

Chronic Cough

A persistent cough, especially:

at night
early morning
after exercise

is a common but overlooked asthma symptom.

Symptoms That Worsen With Triggers

Asthma symptoms often intensify after exposure to specific triggers.

Air Pollution and Smoke

Urban pollution, vehicle emissions and indoor smoke significantly worsen asthma symptoms in adults.

Allergens

Dust mites, pollen, mould and pet dander are common triggers.

Respiratory Infections

Viral infections can trigger asthma flare-ups or reveal undiagnosed asthma.

Physical Activity

Exercise-induced asthma causes breathlessness and wheezing during or after physical exertion.

Weather Changes

Cold air, humidity and sudden temperature changes can aggravate symptoms.

Adult-Onset Asthma

Adult-onset asthma differs from childhood asthma.

Characteristics include:

onset after age 20–30
less association with childhood allergies
more persistent symptoms
higher likelihood of severe disease

Occupational exposure and hormonal changes contribute to adult-onset asthma.

Risk Factors for Asthma in Adults

Several factors increase asthma risk:

long-term exposure to pollution
smoking or passive smoking
occupational chemicals or dust
obesity
family history of asthma
chronic sinusitis or allergies

Women may experience asthma onset or worsening during hormonal changes.

When Asthma Symptoms Become Serious

Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing:

severe breathlessness
difficulty speaking in full sentences
bluish lips or fingertips
rapid worsening of symptoms
poor response to usual inhalers

These signs indicate a potentially life-threatening asthma attack.

How Adult Asthma Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis includes:

detailed symptom history
physical examination
lung function tests (spirometry)
response to bronchodilators

Early diagnosis improves long-term outcomes.

Impact of Untreated Asthma

Untreated asthma can lead to:

frequent attacks
reduced lung function
sleep disturbances
missed workdays
reduced quality of life

According to Lancet respiratory studies, uncontrolled asthma increases hospitalisation risk.

Managing Asthma Symptoms in Adults

Effective asthma management focuses on:

identifying and avoiding triggers
using prescribed inhalers correctly
monitoring symptoms regularly
maintaining follow-up care

Asthma action plans help patients recognise worsening symptoms early.

Role of Preventive Healthcare

Preventive healthcare helps:

detect asthma early
assess lung function
guide lifestyle modifications

Regular health checkups are especially important for individuals with respiratory symptoms or occupational exposure.

Lifestyle Measures That Support Asthma Control

Helpful practices include:

avoiding smoking
improving indoor air quality
wearing masks in polluted environments
maintaining healthy weight
regular, moderate exercise

Lifestyle support complements medical treatment.

Mental Health and Asthma

Stress and anxiety can worsen asthma symptoms.

Stress management:

reduces symptom frequency
improves medication response

Holistic care improves asthma outcomes.

Importance of Medication Adherence

Asthma medications work best when:

taken regularly as prescribed
inhaler technique is correct

Skipping treatment increases flare-up risk.

Long-Term Outlook for Adults With Asthma

With proper management:

symptoms are well controlled
severe attacks are preventable
normal activity levels are achievable

Most adults with asthma lead active, productive lives.

Conclusion

Asthma symptoms in adults are often subtle, variable and easily mistaken for common respiratory problems. Wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and chronic cough should not be ignored, especially when triggered by pollution, exercise or weather changes. Early diagnosis, trigger control and consistent treatment are essential to prevent severe attacks and preserve lung health. Recognising adult asthma early empowers individuals to manage symptoms effectively and maintain a good quality of life.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Respiratory Disease and Asthma Studies
World Health Organization (WHO) – Asthma Management and Prevention Guidelines
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Respiratory Health Indicators
Lancet Respiratory Medicine – Adult Asthma Outcomes and Management
NITI Aayog – Air Pollution and Respiratory Health Reports
Statista – Global Asthma Prevalence and Trends

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