Abstract

Challenges and Pitfalls in the Management of Geriatric Asthma

Asthma is defined as a chronic airway disease that influences all ages, but does this definition incorporate the elderly? Traditionally, asthma has been considered an illness of a more youthful age, but epidemiological studies and clinical involvement support the concept that asthma is as prevalent in older ages as it is within the youth. According to the 2012 National Health Interview Survey Data, 208,500 people of age 65 and above develop asthma in a lifetime. This disease in the elderly has been critically misdiagnosed because usually old people think that shortness of breath is just a normal thing because of their old age. Asthma creates a much greater risk for older adults because they are more likely to develop respiratory failure as a result of asthma, even during mild episodes of symptoms. The symptoms of asthma are as follows: chest tightness, shortness of breath, wheezing, and cough (especially at night). Many people aged 65 and older get their first asthma symptoms after an upper respiratory (chest) infection. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the coronavirus outbreak a global health emergency. Older people, with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus.

• Full-Text
• PDF