Diagnosis Older Adults with Asthma

In older adults, asthma can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to common conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This general term describes a number of lung conditions (particularly chronic bronchitis and emphysema) in which your lungs gradually become less efficient at inhaling and exhaling air. In other words, your lungs don't function as well as they once did. Heart disease also may cause asthma-like symptoms.

Elderly adults with asthma may cough often, feel a sensation of tightness in the chest, feel out of breath, and wake up at night frequently. To diagnose asthma, a health care provider will do a physical examination, take a medical history, and perform one or several specific lung function tests. If a doctor is still uncertain, older adults might be asked to try an asthma medication. If symptoms respond, then asthma is probably the cause.

As for everyone with asthma, an asthma treatment plan involves avoiding asthma triggers, taking the right medication, and monitoring breathing.