If you are an older adult with recurring episodes of cough, wheezing, chest tightness, or difficulty breathing, you may have asthma. Are you surprised? There is a common misconception among health-care providers and the general public that older people are not at risk for asthma. Most people figure that it is a disease that only affects children or young adults. Actually, statistics reveal that six to 10 percent of older adults may suffer from asthma. It is a cause for serious concern in the elderly, because patterns of the disease are usually more severe and complete symptom remission is rare.

Asthma is a disease of the lung’s airways. With asthma, the airways are inflamed and react easily to certain triggers, such as viruses, smoke, or pollen. When the inflamed airways react, they become narrow and make breathing difficult.

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, the older adult with asthma typically experiences a more complicated course of events. Asthma severity usually ranges from moderate to severe in older adults, and age-related changes in lung structure and function tend to exacerbate asthma symptoms. This makes wheezing and acute attacks more common. Respiratory problems caused by other illnesses can also contribute to or worsen asthma. The older adult may also face medication-related difficulties. Once again, age-related physical changes make the older adult more susceptible to side effects of asthma medications. In addition, drugs used to treat a pre-existing ailment may aggravate asthma symptoms.

Asthma in the elderly is often difficult to diagnose because it can be confused with or hidden by other diseases, such as bronchitis, emphysema, or various cardiac conditions. Following a careful examination that includes a medical history, physical examination, and laboratory testing, asthma can usually be differentiated from other coexisting illnesses.

Despite these difficulties, the goals of diagnosis and treating remain the same for the older asthmatic. Education, monitoring, controlling asthma triggers, and providing appropriate drug therapy are all high priorities. Compared to younger patients, however, many older patients need to be monitored more closely.

If you have respiratory symptoms that will not go away, please consult your doctor. There are many programs in place to provide assistance and follow-up to asthma sufferers. Even though you may face greater challenges, your asthma can be managed.

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