Managing Asthma Symptoms in Senior Citizens
Asthma in Older Adults: Understanding and Managing It
Asthma isn’t just for the young; older adults can develop it too, and it’s a bit trickier to manage due to other health issues they may have. Thankfully, doctors have several tools to diagnose late-onset asthma and can create a customized treatment plan. Managing asthma in seniors also involves controlling environmental triggers and keeping in touch with healthcare providers about any symptom changes.
Asthma in Seniors: What You Need to Know
Asthma isn’t new to everyone in their senior years; some have had it since childhood, while others got diagnosed later in life. Understanding how to manage this condition is vital regardless of when it started. There are many treatment options to help you breathe easier.
Asthma Statistics
Around 26.5 million Americans, about 8% of the population, have asthma. It’s a common belief that asthma starts in childhood, but adults, including seniors, can develop it too. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America states that 7.6% of adults over 65 have asthma. Since asthma in seniors can be serious, it’s important to know about the available treatments.
Recognizing Asthma Symptoms in Seniors
Asthma symptoms don’t change much with age. Whether it’s late-onset or not, the symptoms include shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing, wheezing, and disrupted sleep. These could also signal other health issues, so it’s important to consult a healthcare provider if these symptoms persist.
Diagnosing and Treating Late-Onset Asthma
Doctors use various tests to diagnose asthma in adults. Once diagnosed, you’ll work with your doctor to find the best way to manage it.
Diagnosis Process
If you think you might have asthma, your doctor will review your medical history, conduct a physical exam, and possibly do lung function tests. They might also run allergy tests and rule out other conditions before confirming an asthma diagnosis. There are four types of asthma, ranging from intermittent to severe persistent, based on symptom frequency and intensity.
Treatment Options
Treatment for asthma in seniors usually starts with daily medication and an action plan to manage symptoms. Doctors will help identify triggers to avoid and provide a plan for dealing with asthma attacks.
Managing Asthma in Older Adults
Asthma can be riskier in seniors, so careful management is key. This includes reducing exposure to triggers like allergens, cold air, pollution, strong odors, respiratory infections, exercise, and smoke.
Creating a Medication Plan
Work with your doctor to find the right medication and stick to the prescribed regimen. Some medications are for daily use, while others are for when symptoms flare up.
Addressing Related Health Issues
Other conditions, like viral infections, allergies, or acid reflux, can worsen asthma. Keeping overall health in check can help manage asthma symptoms.
Developing an Asthma Action Plan
Create a plan with your doctor that includes medication dosages, recognizing and responding to worsening symptoms, and when to contact the clinic.
Scheduling Regular Doctor Visits
Asthma requires ongoing care, so regular check-ups are essential. These visits help in adjusting medications and addressing any new symptoms.
Staying in Touch with Your Provider
If your asthma symptoms change or worsen, let your doctor know. Managing asthma in seniors can be challenging due to aging lungs and other health conditions, so close communication with your healthcare provider is crucial.
By understanding and addressing your late-onset asthma triggers and keeping up with regular healthcare visits, you can minimize the impact of asthma on your daily life.
