May - 2003 (supplement)

Asthma in Older Americans

More than 2 million Americans age 65 and older have asthma. As this age group continues to grow, we need to find ways to curb the increasing trend of asthma among seniors. Asthma and other respiratory diseases are particularly common in adults over the age of 65 as lung functioning begins to decrease steadily over the age of 40.

Today’s Action

Today, Secretary Thompson is focusing attention on the importance of diagnosis and treatment of asthma in older Americans. In older adults, asthma often mimics symptoms of other illnesses. To underscore the significance of treating and managing this disease in seniors and to remind older adults of the importance of overall fitness during May’s Older Americans Month, Secretary Thompson will lead seniors in a walk around the National Mall.

• The health of older persons reflects the health of a society.
• America’s seniors are a vital resource and an integral part of the fabric of this nation. Keeping our seniors healthy helps keep America healthy.
• Quality of life is significantly lower in elderly patients with moderate or severe asthma. This, in turn, affects both their emotional and physical well-being. We must work together to reverse this trend and help seniors achieve the highest quality of life possible.

• Asthma can develop at any age. Over 20.3 million Americans have asthma including 2 million people over age 65. In 2001, more than 860,000 people over 65 had an asthma attack or episode.
• In older people, it is sometimes difficult for a doctor to determine whether the problem is asthma or another lung disease. Other lung diseases that cause similar problems are bronchitis and emphysema, particularly in people who smoke. Heart disease may also affect breathing.
• Unfortunately, many older people still smoke. Smoking worsens the effects of asthma and other lung problems.
• Older adults are more likely than younger people to have side effects from asthma medicines. For example, recent studies show that older adults who take high doses of inhaled steroid medicines over a long period of time may increase their chances of getting glaucoma.
• Asthma consequences may not be fully reversible with medications in older adults and it may be responsible for a persistent cough in some individuals.

• Many seniors with asthma require regular medications to breathe comfortably through the day. However, good nutrition may also assist in the overall treatment of the asthma patient.
• An important part of current asthma treatment is corticosteroids, usually in the inhaled form. The effective dose for oral corticosteroids is higher for people over age 40.

• Take asthma medicines exactly as the doctor instructs.
• Watch for signs that your asthma is getting worse and act quickly.
• Common symptoms of asthma that can worsen include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath.
• Stay away from or control things that you know make your asthma worse B things like tobacco smoke, outdoor pollens, dust mites or pet dander.
• Be careful not to mix medications – make sure your doctor knows all of the medications you are currently taking.

• HHS funds research on the cause and treatment of asthma.
• HHS develops guidelines for clinicians in the proper diagnosis and management of asthma.
• On June 19-21, HHS will convene the 2nd National Conference on Asthma Management and Prevention, a group of stakeholders who are working to improve asthma care on the local level. For more information, visit http://www.asthma2003.net/