Figures
- Figure 1
Algorithm for the management of geriatric asthma.
Tables
- Table 1
Common pitfalls in diagnosing asthma in the elderly
Pitfall Is it useful in diagnosing asthma? Comments Ref. Absence of reversibility No Elderly asthmatics may develop fixed airflow limitation [24] Impaired DLCO Yes DLCO should be normal in asthmatics [27] Smoking No Unfortunately, asthmatic patients do not avoid smoking [26] Disability No Presence of disability is not confined to COPD [25] Absence of allergy No Elderly asthmatics often are nonatopic [30, 31] Presence of allergy Possibly If associated with a long disease duration [25, 30] Long disease duration Possibly Asthma starting in young age does persist [24] - Table 2
Comorbidities in geriatric asthma
Comorbidities Advice Related to shared risk factors Rhinitis
Gastro-oesophageal refluxTreat independently to improve asthma outcomes Related to ageing Depression
Cognitive impairmentAssess to avoid drug interaction or treatment failure Related to asthma treatment Cataracts
Osteoporosis
Arrhythmias
DiabetesMonitor during asthma treatment to reduce drug dosages
