Table 5.

Summary of Asthma

Epidemiology	Prevalence of 4%–8% of patients ≥65 years old
Clinical presentation and evaluation	Wheeze, chest tightness
	Shortness of breath at rest
	Chronic cough
	Symptoms worse at night
	PFTs with reversible airflow obstruction
	Methacholine challenge
Risk factors	Comorbidities
	Obesity
	Medications: beta-blockers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, hormone replacement
Treatment	Pharmacological
	Inhaled beta-agonists
	Inhaled and systemic corticosteroids
	Inhaled anticholinergics
	Anti-leukotriene agents
	Nonpharmacological
	Symptom diaries
	Telephone interviews regarding symptoms and inhaler use
	Peak flow meters
Determinants of outcome and health-related quality of life	Older patients account for 50% of asthma-related deaths
	Frequent impairment in health-related quality of life

Note: PFT = pulmonary function tests.