Prevalence of Asthma in Elderly versus Young in Rural and Urban Area of India

Abstract

Setting: Department of Pulmonology, Delhi heart and Lung Institute, New Delhi Objective: Asthma is considered as a disease of childhood but may continue in the elderly or elderly may be diagnosed as asthmatic for the first time. Asthma in elderly may differ from the young with respect to diagnosis and management on account of psychosocial, economic differences and age related changes which may further be enhanced because of comorbidities and interactions between drugs used for comorbidities. Design: 100 patients of bronchial asthma attending the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Delhi Heart and Lung Institute, New Delhi, India. Young and elderly asthmatics were compared with regards to Symptoms, Severity (GINA guidelines), Accessibility to treatment, Co-morbidities, Inhalational techniques, Compliance and factors affecting compliance and; Outcome measures. These patients were followed up periodically for the above said parameters. Results: Salient differences noted in elderly vs. young were: higher GINA scoring (Moderate Persistent: 30% vs 10%), baseline non-compliance (60% vs 30%), non-compliance due to cost and memory (80% vs 26.7%), incorrect technique of inhalation (69.6% vs 42.4%), comorbidities (98% vs 38%) and concomitant drug usage (68% vs 40%). There were differences in the symptoms and quality of life indicators. There was significant improvement in various parameters in both groups, especially the young if counseled properly. Conclusion: Significant differences exist between elderly and young asthmatics.