What is asthma?

Asthma is a long-term disease of the airways of the lungs. It is often diagnosed in children. But you can get asthma as an older adult. You can get it even if you've never had it before.

Asthma in older adults may be harder to diagnose. It can be hard to tell asthma from other conditions that are more common in older adults. These include heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These diseases may cause symptoms that are like asthma, such as wheezing.

Asthma makes the airways sensitive to triggers (allergens and irritants). When you have asthma and are around triggers, these changes happen:

• The lining of your airways becomes swollen and inflamed.

• The muscles around your airways tighten.

• More mucus is made.

All of these factors cause the airways to narrow. This makes it hard for air to go in and out of your lungs.

What causes asthma in older adults?

What causes asthma at any age is not known. It may run in families. The environment and infections may cause it. Chemicals released by the body may also cause it. Possible asthma triggers include:

• Allergens, such as pollen, mold, dust, and pet dander.

• Irritants, such as chemicals, air pollution, and tobacco smoke.

• Infections, such as a cold or sinus infection.

• Some medicines, such as aspirin or those used to treat high blood pressure.

• Other health problems, such as obesity and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD or heartburn).

• Exercise.

• Stress or strong emotions.

• Hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or menopause.

What are the symptoms of asthma in older adults?

The symptoms of asthma are the same at any age. They are:

• Coughing, especially at night.

• Wheezing.

• Having chest tightness.

• Feeling short of breath.

• Breathing faster than normal.

• Getting out of breath easily.

• Feeling tired or weak.

These symptoms can be from other lung problems, heart problems, or infections. They can also be symptoms of many other conditions. Talk with your doctor about your symptoms.

How is asthma in older adults diagnosed?

It is important to know for sure that you have asthma. That’s because the treatment of asthma is different from other diseases, such as COPD. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and past health. They will also do a physical exam. You may need some tests.

Spirometry is a test used to diagnose asthma. It is also used to monitor asthma. A spirometer is a device that checks how well the lungs are working. It measures the amount and speed of air exhaled. Other tests may be done. These are to check for other conditions, such as allergies.

How is asthma in older adults treated?

Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.

There is no known cure for asthma. But you can take these steps to control it.

• Know and stay away from your asthma triggers. These may include pollen, dander, smoke, stress, and other things.

• Take your medicines. You may need to take medicines by mouth or through an inhaler. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about your inhalers or how to take your medicines.

• Watch your symptoms. Know what to do if they get worse. Make an Asthma Action Plan with your doctor.

Your doctor may also refer you to a specialist, such as an allergist or pulmonologist (lung expert).

Living with asthma

You can better manage your asthma symptoms by taking care of yourself. Be sure to:

• Wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace at all times.

• Carry a copy of your Asthma Action Plan in your wallet or cell phone. Share a copy with your family and friends. They can help you if there is an emergency.

• Get about 8 hours of sleep each night.

• Exercise or be active. Try for about 30 minutes on most days. If exercise sets off your asthma symptoms, ask your doctor how to exercise safely.

• Stay engaged with family and friends.

• Keep up-to-date on your vaccines. These include vaccines for pneumococcal pneumonia, flu, and COVID-19.

• Eat healthy foods. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables and whole grains. Choose lean meats, fish, and low-fat dairy.

When should you call your doctor?

Contact your doctor or get medical attention right away if you are having an asthma attack and your symptoms are not getting better after using your asthma medicine. You may be having a severe asthma attack. If your asthma symptoms get worse or if you have new symptoms, contact your doctor right away.

Key points about asthma in older adults

• Asthma is a long-term disease of the airways of the lungs. You can get it as an older adult. You can get it even if you've never had it before.

• Asthma in older adults may be harder to diagnose. It can be hard to tell asthma from other health problems. These include heart failure and COPD.

• Asthma symptoms include coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

• A spirometer can help diagnose asthma.

• There is no known cure for asthma. You can control it by staying away from your asthma triggers and by taking your asthma medicine as prescribed.

Next steps

Here are some tips to help you get the most from a visit to your doctor.

• Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.

• Before your visit, write down any questions you may have.

• Bring someone with you to the visit. They can help you ask questions. And they can help you remember what your doctor tells you.

• At the visit, write down things you want to remember. This could be a new diagnosis. Or it could be new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new directions your doctor gives you.

• Ask about any new medicine or treatment that your doctor prescribes. Find out how it will help you. Know what the side effects are. And know when to report them.

• Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.

• If your doctor recommends a test or procedure, know why. And ask what the results could mean.

• If you do not take a medicine or have a test or procedure, ask what to expect.

• Keep track of follow-up visits. Write down the date, time, and purpose for the visit.

• Know how you can contact your doctor if you have questions. Ask how to contact your doctor after office hours or on the weekends.