ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an evidence-based approach to tackling the issues in order to provide optimal care for older asthmatics. The management of asthma in older adults presents unique challenges. Older asthmatics may also require greater assistance and possibly alternative strategies to achieve good inhaler technique and compliance with care regimens. Despite the high morbidity and mortality from asthma in older adults, underrecognition of asthma in this age group remains a significant problem. The reluctance of some physicians to order Pulmonary function testings in older asthmatics may be partly due to the increased difficulty of performing adequate spirometry in older adults. Evidence-based guidelines should be used in the same way for the treatment of asthma in older adults as they are in younger individuals. The Global Initiative for Asthma framework emphasizes that the creation of a partnership between the clinician and the patient with asthma is critical to achieve and maintain good asthma control.
