Asthma in the elderly: Diagnosis and management

Effects of omalizumab in severe asthmatics across ages: A real life Italian experience

“…In fact, airways remodeling and a possible coexisting COPD can determine a greater asthma severity in the elderly (11). Older patients with asthma have significantly increased percentages of sputum neutrophils (12).…”

Mortality in Asthma-Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Overlap in the United States

“…Older patients may not report asthma symptoms, and may attribute breathlessness to normal aging or comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease and obesity. [298][299][300] Comorbid arthritis may contribute to reduced exercise capacity and lack of fitness, and make inhaler device use difficult. Asthma costs may be higher amongst older patients, because of higher hospitalization rates and medication costs.…”

“…298,299 Data on efficacy of asthma medications in the elderly are limited because these patients are often excluded from major clinical trials. Side-effects of beta 2 -agonists such as cardiotoxicity, and corticosteroid sideeffects such as skin bruising, osteoporosis, and cataracts, are more common in the elderly than in younger adults.…”

“…Side-effects of beta 2 -agonists such as cardiotoxicity, and corticosteroid sideeffects such as skin bruising, osteoporosis, and cataracts, are more common in the elderly than in younger adults. 298 Clearance of theophylline is also reduced. 298 Elderly patients should be asked about all of the other medications they are taking, including eye-drops, and potential drug interactions should be considered.…”

“…298 Clearance of theophylline is also reduced. 298 Elderly patients should be asked about all of the other medications they are taking, including eye-drops, and potential drug interactions should be considered. Factors such as arthritis, muscle weakness, impaired vision and inspiratory flow should be considered when choosing inhaler devices for older patients, 299,301 and inhaler technique should be checked at each visit.…”