Clinical Characteristics of Geriatric Asthma in Guangxi of China: A Retrospective Comparative Descriptive Study

The research analyzed the clinical characteristics of geriatric and nongeriatric asthma cases, aiming to provide new insights into the diagnosis and management of geriatric asthma for clinicians.

This retrospective study analyzed data from the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University database (2012-2022), including 130 geriatric (≥ 65 years) and 130 nongeriatric (18-64 years) asthma patients. Both cohorts were stratified into fixed (FAO) and reversible (RAO) airflow obstruction subgroups based on spirometry-confirmed airflow limitation patterns. Demographic and clinical symptom data were extracted from electronic health records.

Geriatric asthmatics are mainly characterized by a greater prevalence in females (n = 78, 60%), increased cough (n = 123, 94.6%) and sputum (n = 116, 89.2%), poorer lung function (VC: 2.06 ± 0.65, FVC: 2.05 ± 0.64, FEV₁:1.22 ± 0.49, PEF: 3.53 ± 1.59, all p < 0.05), elevated neutrophils ratios (66.7 ± 13.4, p < 0.05), and higher C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (5.1 (11.1), p < 0.05). Geriatric asthmatics had longer average hospitalization days (9.9 ± 3.9, p < 0.05), higher sensitization rates to dust or irritant gases (n = 20, 15.4%, p < 0.05), and had more comorbidities compared to nongeriatric asthmatics. A history of asthma lasting > 20 years was identified as an independent risk factor for FAO in geriatric asthmatics (OR = 8.578, 95% CI = 1.610-45.741, p < 0.05).

Geriatric asthmatics exhibit more comorbidities, poorer lung function, higher neutrophil ratios, and elevated CRP levels. They also experience longer hospital stays and are likely to be sensitized to dust or irritant gases. A longer duration of asthma significantly increases the risk of developing FAO in geriatric asthmatics.