Discovering asthma in the older adult

New-onset asthma may occur at any time in the life cycle, but it is often difficult to diagnose in older adults. The symptoms of asthma are strikingly similar to the symptoms of many cardiac and pulmonary diseases prevalent in this age group. This article discusses the presentation of undiagnosed asthma in the older adult, key management issues for this population, and techniques for assisting clinicians in identifying triggers that precipitate or worsen symptoms.