Challenges in the pharmacological treatment of geriatric asthma

Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol. 2016 Jul;9(7):917-26. doi: 10.1586/17512433.2016.1167596. Epub 2016 Mar 29.

Abstract

Asthma in older populations is characterized by frequent comorbid conditions, which increase the risk of side effects and of detrimental interactions between respiratory and non-respiratory drugs. These observations lead to the need to manage asthma in older populations by applying a multidimensional assessment and a multidisciplinary treatment; therefore, we favor the use of the 'geriatric' term to define asthma in the elderly. Geriatric asthma is a complex disease, which may not necessarily imply that it is also complicated, although the two conditions may often coexist. On this basis, the switch from an organ-driven management to the holistic approach may be the key factor to attain optimal control of the disease in this age range. The current review discusses the age-related factors affecting asthma treatment in the oldest individuals, such as the comorbid conditions, and age-related changes of metabolism and excretion that can impair the efficacy and safety of drugs.

Keywords: Aging; adherence; asthma; comorbidity; inhaled treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Animals
  • Anti-Asthmatic Agents / adverse effects
  • Anti-Asthmatic Agents / pharmacokinetics
  • Anti-Asthmatic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Asthma / drug therapy*
  • Asthma / epidemiology
  • Comorbidity
  • Humans

Substances

  • Anti-Asthmatic Agents