June 13, 2002 MILWAUKEE (AAAAI) -- While asthma is commonly thought of as a "childhood disease," it can also be diagnosed as a new condition in older people. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), approximately six to ten percent of older adults in the United States may have asthma.
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways provoked by various types of triggers, including allergens, infections and irritating substances in the environment. Symptoms are coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and wheezing.
"Many seniors are unaware of their symptoms or assume their difficulties are due to many other contributing factors, such as age, smoking, or heart trouble," said Michael Schatz, MD, FAAAAI. "Asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, emphysema or chronic bronchitis) have a number of similarities, which can sometimes make it difficult even for your doctor to distinguish between the two and they can be easily confused. Often, seniors diagnosed with asthma have other health conditions to take into consideration, including drug interaction and disease interaction."
Asthma vs. COPD
Asthma can affect people at any point in their lives, whereas COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) more often impacts seniors. Asthma and COPD also can coexist in the same individual. Because the symptoms of asthma and COPD are similar, it is important to understand what causes each:
Asthma
Definition and Causes: Reversible airway obstruction caused by lung inflammation. Long-term inflammation of the lungs triggered by certain allergies and/or other irritants. When treated properly the inflammation improves.
Symptoms: Shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing.
Treatment: Anti-inflammatory medications such as inhaled corticosteroids are the best long-term treatment.
Outcome: Improvement of lung function.
COPD
Definition and Causes-- Irreversible airway obstruction caused by lung destruction. Long-term inflammation of the lungs, caused by smoking and other irritants, NOT triggered by allergies. Lung damage DOES NOT respond well to anti-inflammatory medications.
Symptoms: Shortness of breath, coughing and sometimes wheezing.
Treatment: Can be treated with bronchodilators to help relax the airways.
Outcome: Permanent lung damage.
Treatment of Asthma in Seniors
Treatment of asthma in seniors is similar to that in younger people, however, treatment plans may need to be individualized due to the physical, social and emotional changes associated with aging. Also, the greater incidence of coexisting conditions may require additional considerations in older asthmatics. Here are some factors physicians take into consideration when they devise an asthma treatment plan for seniors.
- Age-related changes in the body can increase the potential for adverse medication side effects as well as the potential for drug interactions.
- Therapy for some coexisting conditions can worsen asthma and vice versa.
- There may be cognitive or physical limitations that make it more difficult for the person to utilize some asthma therapies or to fully participate in his or her asthma treatment plan.
"The goal of treatment in seniors who have asthma is to maintain or restore an independent and active lifestyle," said Schatz. "With proper diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan, asthma can be successfully managed in people of all age groups, including older adults."
Whether you have asthma, COPD, or both, make sure you see your doctor regularly. Good medical care can help you live with either illness more comfortably. To find an allergist/immunologist in your area or to find additional information on asthma and COPD, call the AAAAI's Physician Referral and Information Line at 1-800-822-2762.
