Can the elderly get asthma?

Can the elderly get asthma?

William Berger (Allergist and Immunologist) gives expert video advice on: How common is asthma in children?; Can the elderly get asthma? and more...

Asthma can show up at any age. In fact, asthma over the age of 40 tends to predominate more in women as opposed to in children, whereas you see more asthma in boys. It may have to do with the protective hormonal effect that women have until they are in their forties and reach menopause. The elderly population with asthma very often will have more severe asthma and require higher dosages of inhaled coriticosteroids. The bottom line is, if you are coughing, wheezing and short of breath, and you're in your fifties and sixties, you might have asthma. As a result, you need to see your doctor to get properly diagnosed and treated.