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Airway hyperresponsiveness in the elderly: prevalence and clinical implications
N Scichilone1, M Messina, S Battaglia
1Institute of Respiratory Diseases, University of Palermo, via Trabucco 180, 90146 Palermo, Italy. n.scichilone@libero.it
The European Respiratory Journal
|February 3, 2005
Summary
Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) increases with age, particularly in the elderly. Reduced lung function, smoking history, and atopy are key factors contributing to AHR in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Gerontology
- Pulmonary Physiology
Background:
- Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) is linked to respiratory symptoms and disease progression.
- Data on AHR in elderly populations are limited and conflicting.
- Understanding age-related AHR is crucial for respiratory health management in aging individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between age and the occurrence of airway hyperresponsiveness.
- To identify factors contributing to discrepancies in existing research on AHR and aging.
- To explore the clinical implications of AHR assessment in the elderly.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of 18 studies published between 1983 and 2002.
- Analysis focused on studies specifically addressing age and AHR.
- Identification of determinants influencing AHR prevalence in different age groups.
Main Results:
- A positive association was found between increasing age and airway hyperresponsiveness.
- Prevalence of AHR appears to increase in the elderly population.
- Reduced lung function, smoking history, and atopy were identified as significant determinants of AHR in the elderly.
Conclusions:
- Age is associated with an increased prevalence of airway hyperresponsiveness.
- Factors like reduced lung function, smoking, and atopy contribute to AHR in older adults.
- AHR assessment can aid in early risk identification in the elderly, especially those with smoking exposure or atopy.