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[Reversible bronchial spasm syndrome in the very old]
P Pfitzenmeyer1, C Lauwerier, A Camus
1Service de Médecine gériatrique, CHRU, Dijon.
Presse Medicale (Paris, France : 1983)
|October 13, 1998
Summary
Asthma is common in older adults, often presenting with subtle symptoms. Diagnosis relies on pulmonary function tests, and management involves trigger avoidance and appropriate inhaler techniques, often with spacers.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric medicine
- Pulmonology
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Bronchial asthma diagnosis and management in the elderly population presents unique challenges.
- Subtle symptomatology in older adults can delay or complicate asthma diagnosis.
- Epidemiological studies indicate a high prevalence of asthma in the elderly.
Purpose:
- To summarize the key aspects of asthma in the elderly, including diagnosis, pathophysiology, and management.
- To highlight the diagnostic difficulties and effective treatment strategies for geriatric asthma patients.
Summary:
- Asthma is highly prevalent in the elderly, often with atypical presentations making diagnosis difficult.
- Pulmonary function tests are crucial for diagnosis, though severe dementia can be a limitation.
- Age-related changes, comorbidities, and triggers like infections or medications contribute to asthma pathophysiology in older adults.
- Management requires addressing triggers, anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator therapy, and utilizing devices like spacers for inhaler use.
Impact:
- Improved diagnostic approaches for asthma in older individuals.
- Enhanced management strategies tailored to the elderly, considering age-related physiological changes and comorbidities.
- Increased awareness of asthma's impact on geriatric populations, leading to better health outcomes.