The Chicago Tribune reports on some of the challenges faced by seniors with asthma, which can take a greater toll on these patients due to biological changes that affect their ability to recover from exacerbations.
Death rates for older adults with asthma are five times that of younger patients, according to a new review of asthma among seniors. And medical complications are more common.
As the prevalence of asthma climbs in people 65 and older, more seniors will grapple with its long-term impact. Estimates vary, but up to 9 percent of older adults are thought to have asthma — a respiratory condition that inflames the lungs and interferes with breathing.
