Atopy Is Associated with Age at Asthma Onset in Elderly Patients

Asthma in the elderly population (60 years of age and older) is frequently underdiagnosed, as well as atopy. Atopy, although more prevalent in younger patients, can be a major cause of asthma in the elderly. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cardiovascular disease are common differential diagnoses, especially in elderly smokers.

The objective of this study was to assess atopy and comorbidities in elderly patients with asthma.

This was an observational and retrospective study involving elderly asthmatic patients followed up at a tertiary center. Patients were assessed for severity of asthma, frequency of atopy, and frequency of comorbidities concomitant with asthma. Then, they were classified according to their age at asthma onset and the groups compared with each other for atopy, spirometric parameters, and comorbidities.

This study included 243 elderly asthmatic patients, 71.8% of them presenting severe disease and 82.3% forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁) < 80%. Gastroesophageal reflux disease, obesity, and asthma-COPD overlap syndrome were observed, respectively, in 64%, 37%, and 13% of these patients. Atopy was observed in 63%, mainly in those with early onset disease, and its frequency decreased as the age of asthma onset increased (P < .05). Total serum IgE was higher for allergic patients and FEV₁ values were lower for patients with long-term asthma. Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease was more frequent in patients with nonallergic asthma.

Most elderly asthmatic patients followed up in our tertiary center were atopic and higher values of total serum IgE suggest atopy. Atopy was inversely correlated with age of asthma onset. The diagnosis of allergic asthma in the elderly population is essential to treat patients more properly, improving their quality of life and decreasing asthma morbidity and mortality.