Asthma often develops in childhood but it’s not uncommon for people to develop the condition later in life. In fact, asthma can sometimes start in a person’s 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s. This is worrying because adults experience more severe symptoms than younger people do. They also have a higher rate of asthma related hospitalisations and deaths, with even mild episodes of asthma can lead to serious respiratory distress and failure. They’re also less likely to go into remission and will continue to suffer from the symptoms of asthma for the rest of their lives.

Whether they’ve had asthma since they were a child or developed it in adulthood, seniors with asthma face unique challenges with the condition. Older adults tend to have other health conditions and because their immune systems aren’t as strong as they used to be. There are other factors that can complicate managing asthma in older adults which is why it’s important older adults get the support and knowledge they need to manage their condition.

Asthma in Seniors

Asthma tends to have a higher impact on quality of life in seniors. Their health status, support systems, and mobility can further complicate matters. These considerations can make diagnosing and treating asthma in seniors more complex. As we age, our immune system function starts to decline. Illnesses that would be considered mild in a younger person can quickly become serious in an older adult. Our lungs and respiratory system also lose strength and capacity, making breathing more difficult than it was when we were younger.

Pre-existing conditions can mask the symptoms of asthma, making diagnosis difficult. Some medicines commonly taken by the elderly can also cause asthma-like symptoms, including beta blockers, certain dementia medications, and NSAIDs. As a result, asthma can go undiagnosed and untreated in the elderly. The symptoms of asthma are the same in the elderly as they are in younger people, but the elderly tend to experience more symptoms. These symptoms are frequently more severe. The signs and symptoms of asthma include:

• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing
• Chest pain or tightness
• Flareups at night that make it hard to sleep

Managing Asthma in Older Adults

In addition to diagnosing difficulties, seniors face specific challenges when managing their asthma. Symptoms can seem more intense and harder to manage, with recovery taking much longer than it used it. Treatment of asthma for all ages should focus on prevention and symptom control, but what works for younger patients isn’t always as effective in older ones. Asthma is frequently managed with preventer inhalers containing corticosteroids and must be used on a regular schedule for them to be effective. Asthma attacks should be treated with reliever inhalers. The two most common inhalers are Clenil Inhalers and Ventolin Inhalers.

• Clenil Inhalers: Preventer inhalers that are used daily for the long-term management of asthma. It contains corticosteroids and should not be used for a sudden flare up of symptoms.
• Ventolin Inhalers: Reliever inhalers that are used for asthma attacks and acute onsets of symptoms. Its active ingredient, salbutamol, is a bronchodilator that works fast to treat symptoms.

Even though they’re staples in asthma treatment, corticosteroids are not effective asthma management in the elderly. Age makes our bodies less receptive to the therapeutic benefits of corticosteroids while also making us more susceptible to their side effects. There’s also a higher chance of drug interactions in the elderly. The older we get, the more medications we usually take. Complicated medication routines can be hard to follow at the best of times without the cognitive and mobility issues the elderly frequently face. This can make it difficult for them to stick to their medication schedule, including their asthma medication. The chances of medication errors are much higher.

Further complicating matters is how quickly an older adult’s health status can change. Without a flexible approach asthma management in the elderly, the patient may be taking medication that no longer works for them and may even cause harm.

Asthma Treatment for the Elderly

Regular reviews with a GP or specialist can help ensure seniors are receiving the correct treatment. This is also the time to discuss any side effects like dizziness, vision problems, and loss of bone strength. Taking your health conditions, symptoms, and side effects into consideration, your healthcare professional can determine whether you need to adjust your treatment. If inhalers aren’t working, you can try getting your medicine with a nebuliser. Nebulisers are breathing machines that turn asthma medication into a mist that’s then inhaled with a large face mask.

Older adults who aren’t responding to corticosteroids may be prescribed Montelukast tablets, a type of medication known as a leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA). Montelukast tablets are easier for people to take if they struggle to correctly use inhalers or there’s concern about the patient taking consistently high doses of steroids.

Montelukast works by reducing inflammation in airways and blocking chemicals called leukotrienes that inflame the airways during allergic reactions. When used correctly, montelukast can reduce the frequency of asthma symptoms and also ease your reliance on a reliever inhaler.

Asthma Tips for the Elderly

A dedicated support network is important for the elderly to stay on top of their health. Whether this is made up of loved ones, friends, neighbours, or healthcare workers, a solid support system needs to be in place. Tracking your symptoms in a symptom diary can also provide insight to how well your treatment is working for you. Avoiding triggers is important for asthma patients of all ages but is essential in the elderly because of how much more severe their symptoms can be. Even if you’ve been using inhalers for years, use your regular asthma checks as an opportunity to check your inhaler technique.

Asthma Treatment in the UK

Managing asthma in older adults doesn’t have to be daunting. With us, we can have your medications despatched swiftly and safely to your door without any fuss. Simplify how you get your asthma treatment in the UK with us today.