Asthma and the Elderly
A Promising New Drug in its Treatment
Much has been written lately about the severe outbreak of asthma in this country in the last 20 years. In 1998 asthma caused over 5,500 deaths in the United States alone. It is the 9th leading cause of hospitalization. It is estimated that over 17 million Americans suffer from asthma. This represents a 75% increase since 1980. Special emphasis has been given to the huge number of increases in asthma cases among the pre-teen age group, but little has been written about the fact that there has been a substantial increase in asthma cases among older adults also. The cause of this outbreak is unknown but we will explore herein some of the facts that are known about asthma in older individuals. Much of the information for this article comes from information gleaned from the NIH publications on asthma.
Asthma is a disease that affects the air passageway from the lungs. When the passageway becomes inflamed or swollen it becomes quite sensitive to various irritants. Smog, smoke, pollen or other pollutants are just a few of the various agents that cause the irritation to worsen. When the passageway becomes irritated it constricts thus making it extremely difficult for the asthma sufferer to get air to his/her lungs. This difficulty in breathing must be dealt with immediately. Other symptoms of an asthma attack are wheezing, coughing, a "heavy feeling" in the chest and a choking sensation.
As reported by the NIH "the normal effects of aging can make asthma harder to diagnose and treat". An area of concern for older adults who inhale steroid medicines over a long time may increase the chances of developing glaucoma. Over 70% of adults over 65 years of age are on some medication or other so the risk of harmful interaction is greater for these individuals.
The most widely used methodology to treat asthma has been through the usage of steroids. The long-term usage of steroids has many negative implications for the users. In adults, steroids can cause such serious side affects as osteoporosis, stomach bleeding, elevation of blood pressure and blood sugar levels, cataracts and weight gain.
The tests that are utilized in diagnosing asthma are as follows:
Once you have been diagnosed as suffering from asthma there are several steps that you should take in your battle with the disease. As an older individual suffering from the disease there are several added step that you should take. Have your physician write down your treatment plan so that you know exactly how much and when to take your medicine. Make sure you are able to read the written instructions. If you are taking an inhalant, it must be timed so that you are taking it when you are breathing in. If you are suffering from arthritis or if in general you suffer from lack of strength have your physician involved in teaching you how to use the inhalant.
Asthma attacks usually start slowly. No one is more familiar with your body than you are. When you know an attack is coming deal with it now. Don't wait until it is too late to prevent a serious attack.
The December 23rd 1999 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine discusses the early test results of a promising new genetically engineered asthma drug called rhuMAb-E25. The new drug blocks the release of the histamines that irritate, inflame and constrict the air passageway from the lungs. On the other hand steroids work by lowering the sensitivity to the allergens that bring on the asthma attack.
There are many preventive steps that you may undertake to avoid an asthma attack. When air quality levels are bad try to stay indoors. Try to avoid tobacco smoke as much as possible. If at all possible try to stay indoors as much as possible when the pollen count is high. See your doctor for regular check ups and let him/her know how you are doing with your asthma attacks. Tell the doctor if you are getting reactions to your asthma medication.
The following is a list of suggested sites by the NIH on this topic:
FOR AN INFORMATIVE AND PERSONAL ARTICLE ON PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS WHEN SELECTING A NURSING HOME SEE OUR ARTICLE "Selecting a Nursing Home"
See also- Part II- Under-diagnosed Asthma in the Elderly
By Allan Rubin
updated December 23, 1999
To e-mail: hrubin12@nyc.rr.com or rubin@brainlink.com