Asthma In Older Adults

Many older people have to deal with asthma.   Some people develop it later in life, and others will have had the problem from the time they are born.  There is no known cause, and it can happen to anyone, at anytime.  Asthma in older adults can present some specific sets of problems, however. 

One important difference older asthma sufferers may notice is that the things that triggered an asthma attack may change. Instead of responding more acutely to environmental influences like pollen, or allergies, viral infections and colds and flu may be more likely triggers.

Also, the key symptoms may in fact become shortness of breath. But this very symptom can be associated with other aspects of aging, or illnesses, making it difficult to diagnose asthma.

Older adults, if they are on medications to deal with other health problems, may have side effects from those as well.  Thus the clinical picture can be quite complex. Add to this the fact that greater amounts of asthma medication are generally needed for older people, and there is a greater risk of respiratory complications. In many older folks, a mild attack produces the same level of respiratory problems as does a severe attack in younger adults.

Some of the latest studies have shown that older adults who take higher doses of the inhaled steroid medications over a longer period of time will increase their chances of having glaucoma.  These steroids can produce harmful side effects and this is why it is important to be so careful when taking different medications, even those that are prescribed for you. So, make sure that your doctor is fully aware of the potential interactions between any drugs you are taking.

As an adult with asthma, you have to make sure that you are getting regular checkups so that you are taking the proper preventative measures to help control asthma. There is no doubt that being older presents potentially more complications. Two studies done  in the US in 1997 found that older asthma sufferers had more unscheduled visits to their doctors, as well as emergency departments. Older people with asthma were not only more likely to be hospitalized, but the length of time spent in hospital was longer.

Asthma in older adults can make it hard for them to get around and do the things that they once did when they were younger. It can be difficult for them to do simple everyday things and still have the same amount of energy and ability.  It can be very frustrating and sometimes depressing.  Older adults need to realize that they have to be a little extra careful so that they can continue to live with their asthma, and enjoy their life. 

To find out whether prescription medications, natural remedies or a combination of traditional and alternative treatments is right for you, click here.