Asthma in Older Adults

Asthma in Older Adults

Living with asthma can be tough for anyone, regardless of their age. Unfortunately, it can become even more difficult for older adults because of the changes to their bodies and the potential risk of complications. While it is important to understand asthma in all ages, it is especially imperative that those caring for seniors with asthma are informed and prepared. In this article, we will explore how asthma affects older adults differently and provide helpful tips on how to manage the condition as they age. We will also discuss how to recognize worsening symptoms, prevent flare-ups, and ensure that senior citizens have access to the care they need.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. Symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. Asthma can be triggered by environmental factors such as pollen, mold, smoke, or air pollution. It can also be triggered by physical activity or emotional stress.

Asthma is a serious medical condition that can be fatal if not properly managed. It is important to see a doctor if you think you or your child might have asthma. An asthma action plan can help you manage your symptoms and avoid exacerbations.

How does asthma affect older adults?

Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the lungs and airways. Asthma in older adults can be especially serious, as the aging process can make it more difficult for the lungs to work properly. Additionally, older adults are more likely to have other health conditions that can complicate asthma, such as heart disease or COPD.

Asthma can cause shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. These symptoms can make it difficult to do everyday activities like walking upstairs or even taking a deep breath. In severe cases, asthma can lead to an asthma attack, which is a life-threatening medical emergency.

Asthma in older adults is often underdiagnosed and undertreated. This is because many of the symptoms of asthma mimic other conditions common in older adults, such as heart disease or COPD. As a result, many older adults with asthma may not even realize they have the condition.

If you are an older adult with any of the following symptoms, it is important to see your doctor for an evaluation: Shortness of breath that gets worse with activity, wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and trouble sleeping due to coughing or wheezing. If you have asthma, there are several things you can do to help manage your condition and reduce your risk of having an asthma attack.

asthma in older adults
An older woman having a check-up

What are the symptoms of asthma in older adults?

Older adults with asthma may experience the same symptoms as younger people with asthma, but they may also have some unique symptoms. Older adults may have more difficulty breathing out, and they may wheeze more when they breathe in. They may also have a chronic cough that is worse at night. In addition, older adults with asthma may experience shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue.

How is asthma diagnosed in older adults?

There are a few different ways that doctors can diagnose asthma in older adults. The first step is usually to do a physical exam and ask about the person’s medical history. The doctor will also want to know if the person has any other conditions, such as allergies or heart disease.

The next step is to do some tests to see how well the person’s lungs are working. One common test is called spirometry. This test measures how much air the person can breathe in and out, and how fast they can do it.  Another test that might be done is called peak flow meter testing. This test measures how well the person can push air out of their lungs.

Sometimes, doctors will also do an allergy test. This test can help show if there are things in the environment that may be triggering the asthma symptoms. After all of these tests have been done, the doctor will be able to make a diagnosis of asthma and create a treatment plan.

How is asthma treated in older adults?

There are a number of ways to treat asthma in older adults. The most common approach is to use inhaled corticosteroids, which are anti-inflammatory drugs that can reduce swelling and mucus production in the airways.

In some cases, doctors may also prescribe oral corticosteroids, which are taken in pill form. These are typically only used for short periods of time because they can have serious side effects, such as osteoporosis and weight gain.

Another option is to use bronchodilators, which relax the muscles around the airways and make it easier to breathe. These can be taken as inhalers or pills.

Some people with asthma may also need to take immunosuppressant drugs if they have severe allergies or their asthma is not well controlled with other treatments. These drugs work by suppressing the immune system, which can help to reduce inflammation in the airways.

It is important to work with your doctor to find the best treatment plan for you. Asthma can be a serious condition, so it is important to take all of your medications as prescribed and to monitor your symptoms carefully.

What are the complications of asthma in older adults?

Asthma is a chronic condition that can be difficult to manage at any age. However, older adults with asthma may face unique challenges.

Older adults with asthma are more likely to have other chronic health conditions, such as heart disease or COPD. This can make it difficult to manage asthma symptoms and control asthma attacks. Additionally, older adults are more likely to experience side effects from asthma medications.

Asthma can also lead to complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis. These infections can be more severe in older adults and may require hospitalization.

It is important for older adults with asthma to work with their healthcare team to develop a comprehensive care plan. This plan should include regular checkups, medication management, and strategies for avoiding triggers. With proper care, older adults with asthma can live full and active lives.

asthma in older adults
Asthma in older adults

The bottom line

Asthma in older adults can be a difficult condition to manage, but with the right approach, it is manageable. It is important that older adults are aware of the symptoms and triggers associated with their asthma so they can take steps to prevent episodes. Additionally, developing an individualized plan with their healthcare provider and taking prescribed medications as directed is essential for managing asthma in elderly individuals. By following these tips, older adults will be able to live life more fully despite having asthma. For more daily health tips be sure to visit Centric Healthcare.

References:

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/asthma

https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/2001721-overview

https://www.cdc.gov/copd/index.html#:~:text=Chronic%20obstructive%20pulmonary%20disease%2C%20or,Americans%20who%20have%20this%20disease.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17575-bronchodilator

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/4298-peak-flow-meter

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