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Asthma in the elderly: risk factors and impact on physical function
Andrew M Smith1, Manuel Villareal, David I Bernstein
1University of Cincinnati Medical Center,Division of Immunology, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0563, USA. andrew.smith@uc.edu
Summary
Older adults with asthma show increased allergic sensitization and reduced lung function. This leads to a significantly poorer quality of life compared to those without asthma.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Pulmonology
- Allergology
Background:
- Asthma incidence is rising across all age groups.
- Asthma in older adults is frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated.
- This leads to poor asthma control in the elderly population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare host characteristics between older adults with and without asthma.
- To investigate the impact of these differences on quality of life.
Main Methods:
- Case/control and nested cohort study of individuals over 60.
- Evaluated medical history, physical exams, skin prick testing (SPT), spirometry, and exhaled nitric oxide (ENO).
- Assessed quality of life using the SF-36v2 questionnaire.
Main Results:
- Asthma patients had higher SPT positivity (88.9% vs 51.2%) and lower FEV1 (73.7% vs 89.6%).
- The asthma group reported worse general health, increased bodily pain, and poorer physical health.
- Significant differences were observed in SPT positivity, FEV1, and quality of life scores (P < .05).
Conclusions:
- Older adults with asthma exhibit higher allergic sensitization rates.
- Decreased lung function is a key characteristic in this demographic.
- Asthma significantly impairs the quality of life in older adults.
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