Asthma is typically considered a childhood disease but it can be diagnosed in seniors as part of adult onset asthma. It is caused when the airways are inflamed (mildly swollen) and may be managed with proper diagnosis and understanding treatment complications.
Common Symptoms in Seniors
Asthma symptoms in older adults include wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing. Also, it may present itself as a chest tightness especially in the evening. In an asthma attack, the cells in your air tubes secrete mucus, the air tubes swell, and the mucles tighten.
Also, in a severe asthma attack, you may become extremely tired and breathless and these symptoms may appear similiar to other conditions such as emphysema, and heart disease so it is important to have any unusual medical concerns monitored by your doctor.
Causes and Diagnosis
Typical causes of asthma include wood smoke, tobacco smoke, and mold. Also, some medications can trigger asthma in older adults such as heart beta blockers and aspirin.
A doctor's visit can help you diagnose asthma. A detailed medical history is needed to determine what symptoms you have experienced an when the symptoms first appeared. He/she may give you specific tests such as sinus studies, pulmonary functions, and nasal examinations.
For example, your chest x-ray may be normal but show a slight hyperinflation which your doctor may want to further examine.
Complications with Asthma Treatments
Adult onset asthma in seniors may cause frustration for you and your doctor. Normal aging-associated changes in your lungs can make is more difficult to distinguish between asthma and an associated conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease so detailed medical studies must be performed which may delay treatment.
An asthma management plan is a written plan to explain what symptoms to watch, which asthma treatment plans are most effective based on other health conditions, and how asthma can be prevented. However, as a senior asthma patient, you may experience vision and hearing problems which may cause your to miss important instructions including dosages with time schedules.
You may have your doctor write your asthma treatment plan in large words/numbers to prevent eye strain. Additionally, you can have a trusted adult child during your doctor's visit and he/she can take good notes and ask additional questions.
Adult onset asthma may seem complicated but you can establish a trusting relationship with your doctor and manage your disease with proper planning, diagnosis, and effective asthma treatment plans.
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