Related Experiment Videos
The predictors of poorly controlled asthma in elderly
Eui-Kyung Hwang1, Hyun Jung Jin, Young-Hee Nam
1Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea.
Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research
|September 6, 2012
Summary
More than a third of elderly asthma patients have poor disease control. A history of pulmonary tuberculosis is a significant predictor of poorly controlled asthma in this population.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Asthma affects a significant portion of the elderly population.
- Asthma control in elderly individuals is often suboptimal.
- Comorbidities are highly prevalent in elderly asthma patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess asthma control levels in elderly patients.
- To identify predictors of poor asthma control in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective observational study of 108 elderly asthma patients (≥60 years).
- Patients categorized by Asthma Control Test (ACT) scores (≤19 poor control, >19 controlled).
- Analysis included spirometry, quality of life surveys, and medication possession ratios.
Main Results:
- Over one-third (35.2%) of elderly patients had poorly controlled asthma.
- Poorly controlled asthma was associated with lower quality of life scores and higher admission rates.
- A history of pulmonary tuberculosis was a significant predictor of poor asthma control (OR=4.70, P=0.042).
Conclusions:
- A substantial proportion of elderly individuals experience poor asthma control.
- Pulmonary tuberculosis history is a key risk factor for poor asthma control in the elderly.
- Comprehensive management of comorbidities is crucial for improving asthma control and quality of life in older adults.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
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
01:30Asthma-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...
01:28Asthma I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
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,...
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include: