Asthma & older people

Some people who have had asthma all their life may find that it starts affecting them in different ways when they get older. For example, they may have coughed or wheezed previously, but as they get older, they may notice they become more breathless.
If flu, colds or other viral infections trigger your asthma you should consider having the flu vaccination.
Changing triggers
In older people, the symptoms of asthma are less likely to be triggered by allergies such as house-dust mites, furry and feathered pets and pollen. Symptoms are more likely to be triggered by: flu, colds or other viral infections; exercise; laughing or getting excited; depression or anxiety; some medicines; and irritants such as cigarette smoke, cold air, perfumes and chemical fumes. For older people, shortness of breath may be the only symptom. However it can be difficult to tell the difference between asthma and other conditions that cause similar symptoms, such as bronchitis, emphysema, heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) so it is sometimes difficult to diagnose in older adults. Studies have shown that air pollution can trigger symptoms in people who already have asthma. Those most at risk include people with severe asthma and older people with heart or chronic respiratory problems.If flu, colds or other viral infections trigger your asthma you should consider having the flu vaccination. Ask your doctor or asthma nurse or nurse whether you need one. People who are over 65 or anyone who is regularly using steroid tablets should also talk to their doctor or asthma nurse about whether they need a pneumoccocal vaccination.