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Table 1 Some characteristics of asthma in the elderly

From: Asthma in the elderly patient

Epidemiological

Increased morbidity and mortality

Less frequent atopy

Clinical

Underdiagnosed and undertreated

Asthma control more difficult to achieve

Reduced perception of symptoms

Difficulties to perform pulmonary function tests

Numerous co-morbidities

Pathophysiology

Mixed (more neutrophilic airway inflammation)

More severe airway obstruction

Loss of lung elastic recoil – reduced respiratory muscles strength- small airways involvement

Systemic inflammation and immunosenescence

Management problems

Insufficient understanding of the disease

Memory impairment, hearing loss, poor sight

Psycho-socio-economic problems

Therapy

Poor adhesion to therapy and follow-up

Poor inhaler technique (arthritis, understanding…)

Polypharmacy and increased risk of interactions

General

Poor nutrition, sedentarity, weight gain

Reduced access to care