Asthma in the Elderly: Cockroach Sensitization and Severity of Airway Obstruction in Elderly Nonsmokers

摘要: Study objectives To test the hypothesis that presence of sensitization to indoor allergens is associated with increased severity airway obstruction in elderly subjects asthma. Design Cohort study enrolled a public hospital asthma clinic. Setting Asthma clinic municipal serving an indigent population New York City. Patients Subjects aged ≥ 60 years who were Bellevue Hospital Clinic. Total serum IgE and allergen-specific measurements performed cohort never-smokers had (45 patients) undergone spirometry before after bronchodilator (BD) therapy. Measurements results The radioallergosorbent tests demonstrated most ( ie , 60%) sensitized at least one allergen, many allergen. Cockroach (CR) was common allergen which sensitized, 47% displaying elevated serum-specific level. Fewer dust mite, cat, dog, or ragweed. CR (CR+) greater reductions airflow compared not (CR−) [64 ŷ 4.4% predicted vs 77.1 4.1% FEV 1 respectively; p 58% CR− subjects. Lung volume differed between CR+ subjects, elevation functional residual capacity Conclusion In urban patients asthma, CR-specific more severe as reflected by increase hyperinflation.