Peer Reviewed
Feature Article Geriatrics
Asthma can occur in the older person
Abstract
Up to 35% of people aged over 55 years who have asthma remain undiagnosed. Identification and appropriate treatment can make a large difference to health outcomes in this patient group.
Key Points
- Asthma does occur in older people and can present as a new diagnosis. Up to 35% of people aged over 55 years with asthma are undiagnosed.
- It is important to remember that older people with asthma may attribute reduced exercise capacity to ageing. Consideration should be given to screening this age group for asthma.
- Drug treatments for comorbidities are common in older patients and are relevant potential trigger factors for asthma.
- Issues regarding inhalers influence the choice of medication in older patients. Potential problems include poor co-ordination or arthritis, and oropharyngeal side effects.
- Reduced perception of bronchoconstriction is more common in older patients. Confirmation of lung function with objective testing is often helpful in such cases.
- A written action plan is an essential part of management and may need to be given to a patient’s carer.
- Important gains in quality of life can be achieved by treating asthma in older people appropriately.
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