Late onset asthma: epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment.

摘要: Asthma is common among older persons, affecting approximately 4 to 8% of those above the age 65 years. Despite its prevalence, late onset asthma may be misdiagnosed and inadequately treated, with important negative consequences for patient's health. The histopathology disease appears similar that in general, persistent airway inflammation a characteristic feature. It less clear, however, allergic exposure sensitisation play same role development adults as they do children. Atopy asthma, prevalence elevated immunoglobulin E levels lower aged over 55 years than younger patients. Occupational an aetiological consideration unique adult disease, implications treatment. differential diagnosis cough, wheeze, dyspnoea elderly broad, includes chronic obstructive bronchitis, bronchiectasis, congestive heart failure, lung cancer endobronchial lesion vocal cord dysfunction. Keys accurate include good history physical examination, demonstration reversible airways obstruction on pulmonary function tests favorable response Inhaled corticosteroid therapy recommended patients careful instruction use metered-dose inhalers particularly elderly.