Asthma is a disease of the airways that makes it hard to breathe. When exposed to certain asthma triggers such as cold air, exercise, pollen, and viruses, the sensitive airways that carry air in and out of the lungs become red and inflamed. That causes the airway muscles to tighten and produce excess mucus which in turn makes the airways narrow and difficult for a person to breathe.
Asthma symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- feeling of tightness in the chest
Good news is that asthma is manageable and with good management and education, people can lead normal active lives.
It’s possible for older adults to have asthma and some develop it for the first time in later adulthood. It’s a good idea to consult your doctor if you have trouble breathing for diagnosis as you don’t want it to become worse. Many seniors do not mention a breathing problem to their doctor because they might relate it to age, lack of fitness, being overweight, or some other problem.
Asthma is common for adults over the age of 65. Lung function is gradually lost throughout adulthood. Men tend to lose lung function faster than women. As a person ages, the lungs and muscles work harder to breathe and let oxygen in.
Managing your asthma becomes an important concern for those who have it. This means avoiding tobacco smoke and any other habits that worsen your symptoms and cause trouble breathing. Having asthma checked from your doctor frequently and taking prescribed medication as instructed is best to follow. It’s important to follow your written asthma action plan. Don’t ignore your symptoms or put up with your condition. Other health conditions and medications can affect your asthma so make sure to keep everything in check.
As for us, we are here to help in case of any asthma-related emergencies that a senior might face when living on their own. We send help right away at the press of a button. Find out more about family alerts and how to monitor health conditions better by clicking here to learn more.
If you have any comments, concerns, or questions, please reach out to us! Here at BlueStar, it is our goal to keep you and your loved ones Safe, Healthy, and Connected. We do this by offering the best medical alert systems for seniors that are available on our website. These senior life health products can deliver push-button emergency help so you are never alone. If you have any questions, please contact a product specialist today at (800) 300-1724, option 1!
