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Management of respiratory problems in the aged
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
|November 1, 1982
Summary
Elderly asthma patients require careful drug management, considering interactions and toxicity. Aspirin should be avoided in asthmatics with nasal issues, and certain cold medications are contraindicated in older adults with specific health conditions.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Asthma management in the elderly presents unique challenges due to physiological changes and comorbidities.
- Older adults are susceptible to adverse drug reactions and interactions, necessitating tailored therapeutic approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of drug therapy for asthma in the elderly.
- To highlight potential drug interactions, toxicity concerns, and management strategies for common respiratory issues in this population.
- To review contraindications for specific medications in elderly patients with respiratory conditions.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on pharmacotherapy for asthma and respiratory infections in the elderly.
- Discussion of dosage adjustments, toxicity profiles, and drug-drug interactions for common respiratory medications.
- Analysis of contraindications for aspirin, antihistamines, vasoconstrictors, and cough suppressants in specific elderly patient subgroups.
Main Results:
- Sympathomimetics, theophylline, steroids, and mucokinetics are key asthma therapies, requiring careful dosage and monitoring for toxicity and interactions.
- Aspirin hypersensitivity syndrome necessitates avoiding aspirin in asthmatic patients with nasal polyps, obstruction, or sinusitis, particularly those over 30.
- Antihistamines and oral vasoconstrictors are generally not advised for elderly patients with respiratory infections or specific cardiovascular/urological conditions.
Conclusions:
- Optimizing drug therapy for elderly asthma patients involves careful consideration of individual patient factors, potential adverse effects, and drug interactions.
- Specific medications like aspirin, antihistamines, and vasoconstrictors require cautious use or avoidance in certain elderly patient profiles to prevent harm.
- Oxygen therapy plays a crucial role in managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the elderly.