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How common is increased airway reactivity amongst the elderly?
J R Horsley1, I J Sterling, W E Waters
1Department of Geriatric, University of Southampton, UK.
Gerontology
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Bronchial hyperreactivity is common in the elderly, with low forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) predicting increased airway reactivity. Early detection of low FEV1 may reduce respiratory illness in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Geriatric Medicine
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Bronchial hyperreactivity is a hallmark of asthma.
- Prevalence in the elderly population is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of bronchial hyperreactivity in an elderly cohort.
- To explore the relationship between baseline lung function and bronchial hyperreactivity.
Main Methods:
- Recruited elderly subjects (over 65) responding to a respiratory symptom questionnaire.
- Conducted spirometry and methacholine bronchial challenge testing.
- Determined the provocative dose of methacholine causing a 20% fall in FEV1 (PD20).
Main Results:
- 43% of subjects exhibited bronchial hyperreactivity (PD20 < 6.13 µmol).
- 12% had highly reactive airways (PD20 < 1.0 µmol).
- Low baseline FEV1 (1-1.5 L) was significantly associated with increased bronchial hyperreactivity (p < 0.01).
Conclusions:
- Bronchial hyperreactivity is more prevalent in the elderly than previously thought.
- Low baseline FEV1 is a predictor of increased airway reactivity in older adults.
- Early identification of individuals with low FEV1 may aid in reducing respiratory morbidity.