People's lungs become less elastic, their chest walls more rigid, and the muscles that help power the respiratory system less strong, exacerbating breathing problems, explained Dr. Michael Wechsler, a professor of medicine and co-director of the Cohen Family Asthma Institute at National Jewish Health, and co-author of the new review.
Compromised vision, fine motor coordination and cognition can make it difficult for seniors to use inhalers correctly. With age, the immune system's response to inflammation — a key contributor to asthma — becomes blunted, making it harder to fight off infections that can trigger asthma exacerbations. Other biological changes, notably shifts in patterns of inflammation, may reduce older patients' response to inhaled corticosteroids such as Advair or Flovent — medications that need to be taken daily to control inflammation.
Then, there are other medical conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure and heart disease that can coexist with asthma and complicate diagnosis and treatment. Research shows that older adults tend to prioritize other medical conditions over asthma, perhaps because they minimize symptoms and underestimate their impact, suggested Miichael Wolf, a professor of medicine at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago.
Rachel Taliercio, a pulmonologist at the Cleveland Clinic. Physicians can be slow to recognize asthma as well. Up to half of older adults with asthma haven't been accurately diagnosed, according a review article in The Lancet. That includes people with adult-onset asthma who first developed this condition in middle age or later. Wechsler tells of a patient who started coughing, wheezing and becoming short of breath in his 60s.
Diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by two physicians, he was given a rescue inhaler but was not treated for ongoing airway inflammation. When the patient failed to improve, he went to National Jewish, which performed a round of sophisticated tests that indicated asthma. Learn more about the relationship between acid reflux and asthma. If your asthma treatment regimen is no longer working, you may consider using an alternative. Find out if essential oils like peppermint and clove, or….
Learn about six breathing exercises to help you control your asthma so you can breathe easier. Vaping when you have asthma can exacerbate your asthma symptoms and may cause other side effects. If you are vaping to help you quit smoking, it could…. Learn more about measuring your peak flow rate and 7 meters on the market.
Pulmonary function tests PFTs are a group of tests that measure how well your lungs work. Learn about the different types. Spirometry is an important test for your lung health. Learn what to expect from the test and how to interpret your results. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Can Asthma Go Away? Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. Is remission from asthma possible? Will asthma symptoms return after remission?
Read more about prescription costs to find out if you're entitled to help with your prescription charges. Asthma UK: managing the cost of your medicines. Depending on how severely asthma affects you on a daily basis, you may be entitled to some benefits, such as:. If you're on a low income, you may also be entitled to some help with healthcare costs. Asthma UK: benefits and severe asthma.
If you develop asthma because of your work, and this is fully documented by your doctor and your employer, you can make a claim for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit.
This is a weekly amount paid to people with asthma caused by work-related exposure to a specific substance known to be associated with asthma.
Health and Safety Executive: substances that cause asthma. If you want to take legal action against your employer because of occupational asthma, your lawyer must act within 3 years of diagnosis. Asthma UK: occupational asthma. Money Advice Service: money issues if you're ill or disabled. Page last reviewed: 19 April Next review due: 19 April Find out more about how to prevent allergies Speak to a doctor or asthma nurse for advice if you think you've identified a trigger for your symptoms.
Asthma UK: asthma triggers Regular check-ups You'll have regular contact with your doctor or asthma nurse to monitor your condition. These appointments may involve: talking about your symptoms — for example, if they're affecting your normal activities or are getting worse a discussion about your medicines — including if you think you might be experiencing any side effects and if you need to be reminded how to use your inhaler breathing tests It's also a good chance to ask any questions you have or raise any other issues you want to discuss.
Cold weather and asthma Cold weather is a common trigger for asthma symptoms. There are things you can do to help control your symptoms in the cold: carry your reliever inhaler with you at all times and keep taking your regular preventer inhaler as prescribed if you need to use your inhaler more than usual, speak to your doctor about reviewing your treatment keep warm and dry — wear gloves, a scarf and a hat, and carry an umbrella wrap a scarf loosely over your nose and mouth — this will help warm up the air before you breathe it try breathing in through your nose instead of your mouth — your nose warms the air as you breathe Asthma UK: weather and asthma Travelling with asthma Asthma should not stop you from travelling, but you'll need to take extra precautions when going on holidays and long trips.
Make sure you have enough medicine with you, and keep your reliever inhaler easily accessible. Your doctor or asthma nurse can also advise you about travelling with asthma. Asthma UK: asthma and travel Pregnancy and asthma Asthma does not affect your chances of having children, and the vast majority of women with asthma will have a normal pregnancy.
0コメント