Asthma Control Measures for the Mature Adult

Asthma and other respiratory diseases are particularly common in adults over the age of 65. This age group is the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population. Asthma symptoms may not be fully reversible with medications in older adults due to the effects of aging and the buildup of excess mucus produced by the lungs, and may be responsible for a persistent cough in some individuals.

What medications work?

  • Quick reliever type of medicine, such as bronchodilators, attempt to stop and relieve asthma symptoms once started by opening constricted breathing passages. This type of medication may keep an asthma attack from worsening. However, quick reliever medications are not meant to be used to stop episodes on a daily basis.
  • Another category of medications, known as inhaled steroids, which are preventative in nature, are recommended to keep asthma symptoms from starting. They work slowly over days and weeks to reduce swelling in the lung passages. These medications are taken daily even when you breathe and feel well.

Many asthma patients use their quick relief medicine too much. Patients that use their quick relief bronchodilators every single day to stop an asthma attack and senior patients that require the use of these medications daily may be in danger of worsening their asthma. A physician/asthma specialist must be consulted to provide expert advice and management strategies when this warning sign is present. Ask your doctor for a preventive medication that will help stop the ongoing swelling in your lungs and breathing passages when you have frequent and persistent asthma symptoms.

Asthma control goals 

  • To participate fully in physical activities
  • To avoid severe asthma symptoms
  • To sleep through the night
  • To avoid emergency room visits because of asthma
  • To reduce allergy triggers such as, dust, pollens, smoke, etc.
  • Preventing asthma episodes

Taking control: A checklist for doctor visits

  • See an allergy/asthma specialist for allergy testing so you can avoid allergic triggers;
  • Ask the doctor/nurse to write an asthma medication care plan;
  • Ask for a demonstration on how to properly use your metered dose inhaler and/or "spacer-holding chamber" for safe and effective administration of your asthma inhalers;
  • Ask for a peak flow meter to monitor your asthma every day;
  • Request instructions if your asthma symptoms are worsening;
  • Ask for advice regarding special senior programs that may be available in your state if you have trouble paying for medications;
  • Bring all medications as well as your peak flow meter records to each visit;
  • Tell your doctor if you have gone to emergency room since your last visit;
  • Re-evaluate your physical exam with your doctor to rule out other problems (heart disease) are a regularly scheduled basis; and
  • Make sure that all of your doctors are aware of your different medical conditions and the medications. It will be necessary to always carry an up-to-date list of your medications and food supplements to all of your doctor visits.

While asthma may not be reversible in the senior population, it should be controllable, if you seek the appropriate help and follow the care plan set out for you by your physician.

This feature was edited by Stuart A. Friedman, MD, FAAAAI, AAAAI Patients & Consumers Web Editor on 3/18/04.