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Asthma isn't just kids' stuff: Seniors face special risks from the condition

It's no secret that arthritis, heart disease, high blood pressure and osteoporosis are ailments often related to aging.

Mention "asthma," though, and most seniors breathe a sigh of relief. That disease, they assume, is a childhood condition, more likely to affect their grandkids than themselves.

But in reality, asthma is common among people over 65, and it can cause serious health problems.

Asthma is a condition that causes inflammation, narrowing and obstruction of the airways, making it difficult to breathe.

Many things can trigger attacks, including viruses, smoke, pollen, environmental pollutants, animal dander, even going from a warm house to the cold air outdoors.

For some individuals, asthma may be a continuing problem from younger years, while others develop the condition late in life — even well into their 70s or 80s.

Statistics show that most deaths caused by asthma occur in older patients, and the disease accounts for huge health-care costs, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

Yet too often, asthma is misdiagnosed or goes untreated in older people. The main reason, say experts, is that symptoms, including wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and chest tightness, also can be caused by other illnesses.

"It can fool you," said Dr. Daniel McNally, chief of pulmonary medicine at the University of Connecticut Health Center. "Shortness of breath can be a symptom of heart disease, emphysema or chronic bronchitis, for example. Or the first episode can follow a cold or the flu, which can appear to be lingering effects of a viral infection."

Once asthma is detected in older patients, it can be difficult to treat. Older patients are more likely than younger people to have side effects from asthma medications or experience drug interactions from taking asthma medications along with prescriptions for other conditions.

But there are steps you can take to have the condition diagnosed quickly and get it under control.

First off, tell your doctor about any symptoms you are experiencing, even if you don't think they're related to asthma.

Talk with your health-care provider about all the medications you take to be sure they will not cause harmful side effects or interactions. Mention all prescription and nonprescription drugs, including such things as aspirin, herbal remedies, even eye drops.

If you are prescribed medication that must be inhaled, be sure you are doing it properly. If you experience difficulty using an inhaler, let your doctor know. (There are adapters available that can make inhalers easier to use.)

Ask for a written treatment plan that states when and how much to take of each of your asthma medicines. If you have trouble reading fine print, ask your pharmacist to provide the information in larger type. Keep your doctor informed about how well the treatment is working for you.

Watch for early symptoms and respond quickly. You can learn to tell when an attack is coming if you keep track of the symptoms you have, how bad they are and when they occur. Your doctor may want you to use a "peak-flow meter," a small plastic tool that you blow in, to measure your breathing.

Tobacco smoke and air pollution can make asthma worse. Avoid smoky areas, and check air-quality indexes before exercising or gardening. Once you know what triggers your attacks, remove it — or yourself — from the environment.

Finally, ask about getting a flu shot and a vaccine to prevent pneumonia.