[Reversible bronchial spasm syndrome in the very old].

UNLABELLED

HIGH PREVALENCE: Several epidemiological studies have shown that the prevalence of bronchial asthma is high in the elderly. It is often difficult to establish the diagnosis of asthma in this population because of the scarcity of symptoms. Pulmonary function tests are widely used to confirm the diagnosis. These tests are possible in most elderly people excepting cases of severe dementia.

MECHANISMS

Pathophysiology of asthma in the elderly may be characterized by superimposition of different factors: 1) the effect of age which is associated with airway adrenoreceptor dysfunction; 2) the impact of chronic pulmonary diseases which may increase airways inflammation; 3) the role of triggers such as infections or various medications.

MANAGEMENT

Management of asthma consists in a specific treatment of trigger(s) associated with anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator medications. Elderly subjects may have difficulty using offinhalators and spacer devices are widely used.