Asthma is a long-term lung disease that causes inflammation and shortening of the airways, as well as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and a tight feeling in the chest. Even though asthma is usually linked to kids, it can also affect adults. In fact, asthma is becoming more common and dangerous among older adults, making it a significant health issue for this group. Unfortunately, seniors struggling with asthma might be misdiagnosed, leading to a lack of treatment. Loved ones and home care aids can support seniors concerned about their risk of asthma by understanding the symptoms and treatment options.
Why Is it Hard to Diagnose Asthma in Seniors?
It can be hard to tell if seniors have asthma because asthma symptoms are similar to those of other lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or heart failure. Generally, a senior’s breathing symptoms can also be affected by age-related changes in the body, comorbid conditions, and medicines.
In order to accurately diagnose what is happening, medical professionals will use a combination of clinical evaluation, medical history, and objective tests to determine if the issues are asthma. The medical history includes determining how often symptoms happen, what causes them, and how well past treatments worked. Spirometry, which measures lung function, and bronchial provocation tests, which measure how responsive the airways are, are two examples of studies that might be completed. Home care aids and loved ones can help seniors with documentation to ensure they have the information the medical team needs.
What Is the Treatment for Asthma in Seniors?
Once a diagnosis of asthma is confirmed, treatment is the same as it is for younger people. The goal is to control symptoms and improve quality of life. Often, the treatment plan includes both medication-based and non-medication-based steps. This might include inhaled medicines like bronchodilators and corticosteroids. Bronchodilators can be used in the short term to help relax the muscles in the airways and relieve symptoms when they are at their worst. Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory drugs that reduce inflammation in the airways and are often used as long-term controls. In some cases, serious flare-ups may be treated with oral corticosteroids temporarily.
In addition to medicines, seniors with asthma can use other treatment methods. These may include finding and avoiding allergens, tobacco smoke, and environmental irritants. Regular exercise is also recommended because it can improve lung functioning. Also, seniors with asthma are encouraged to get flu and pneumococcal shots to lower their risk of respiratory illnesses.
Whether seniors have lived with asthma since their younger years or if it’s a new diagnosis, home care aids and loved ones can help them manage medication and encourage them to exercise consistently to do everything possible to maintain their health. They can also ensure seniors have regular follow-up visits to assess how well the treatment works, make any necessary medication changes, and give information and support. An action plan should also be created to help them recognize symptoms and know when to ask for help.
Sources:
https://aafa.org/asthma/living-with-asthma/asthma-in-older-adults/
https://asthmaandallergies.org/asthma-allergies/asthma-in-older-adults/
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/asthma-in-older-adults-undertreated
If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in Celina, TX, please contact the caring staff at Clear Path Home Care today. Call 817-928-5788
Clear Path Home Care provides compassionate, high quality home care in Denton County, Montague County, Cooke County, Grayson County, Fannin County, Lamar County, Wise County, Collin County, Hunt County, Delta County, and Hopkins County in Texas.
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