Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026
14:39
Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
Adherence to asthma therapy in elderly patients.
1Clinical Department of Internal Medicine, Dermatology and Allergology, Silesian University School of Medicine, Zabrze 41-800, Poland. andrzejbozek@o2.pl
Summary
Adherence to asthma medication is low in elderly individuals. Monitoring with diaries and assessing cognition and depression can improve asthma control.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Respiratory Medicine
- Clinical Pharmacy
Background:
- Asthma management in elderly patients presents unique challenges.
- Adherence to antiasthmatic therapy is crucial for effective disease control.
- Factors like cognition and mood may impact medication compliance in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate antiasthmatic therapy adherence in elderly individuals using questionnaires and objective measures.
- To investigate the relationship between cognitive function, depressive symptoms, functional status, and medication compliance.
- To assess the impact of a 1-year monitoring program on adherence and asthma control.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 117 elderly asthma patients (aged 65-102).
- Adherence assessment using Modified Morisky (MM) scale and Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
- 1-year prospective monitoring with electronic diaries, drug package assessment, and evaluation of cognition, depression, and functional status.
Main Results:
- Initial adherence was low (9% MM scale, 21% VAS).
- 1-year monitoring significantly improved adherence (MM scale: 3.08 to 3.85; VAS: 44% to 90%).
- Cognition and depression symptoms correlated with adherence; functional status did not.
Conclusions:
- Low adherence to antiasthmatic treatment is prevalent in the elderly population.
- Integrated monitoring including diaries, drug assessment, and evaluation of psychological factors can enhance compliance.
- Improved adherence is linked to better asthma control in elderly patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Asthma-IV: Nursing Management
The nursing management of asthma is a comprehensive approach that relies heavily on the expertise and dedication of healthcare professionals. It involves thorough assessment, accurate diagnosis, strategic planning, effective implementation, and diligent evaluation. By meticulously following this step-by-step process, healthcare professionals play a crucial role in providing the best possible care and treatment for patients with asthma, enhancing their overall health and well-being.
First, in...
First, in...
01:15Drug Dosing: Geriatric Patients
Elderly individuals encompass a diverse population with varying degrees of age-related physiological changes. Defining the elderly presents challenges, as the geriatric population is often arbitrarily categorized as individuals older than 65. However, many individuals in this group lead active and healthy lives, with an increasing number surpassing 85 years and falling into the older elderly category. Physiological changes associated with aging impact performance capacity and homeostatic...
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
01:24Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma
Classification of Asthma
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: β2-Adrenoceptor Agonists
Bronchodilators are critical in managing asthma, a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway constriction due to inflammation and hyper-reactivity. Specifically, bronchodilators ease this constriction by relaxing the bronchial muscles, facilitating easier breathing.
One class of bronchodilators includes β2-adrenoceptor agonists. These agents target the β2-adrenoceptors located on bronchial smooth muscle cells. By stimulating these receptors, β2-agonists induce relaxation in these...
One class of bronchodilators includes β2-adrenoceptor agonists. These agents target the β2-adrenoceptors located on bronchial smooth muscle cells. By stimulating these receptors, β2-agonists induce relaxation in these...
01:13Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations
Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...