Why is it difficult to diagnose as well as treat asthma in older people?
* In older people, it is sometimes difficult for the doctor to ascertain whether the problem is actually asthma or some other lung disease or heart disease. Other lung problems that can cause similar problems are bronchitis, particularly common in people who smoke. Bronchitis and emphysema many a times seem like asthma, infact asthma may also seem like bronchitis and emphysema. Heart disease may also cause breathing problems. * Older people are more likely to have other health related problems. They may have diabetes, high blood pressure or heart problems and need to take regular medication for these problems. Sometimes a drug that is advised for one disease may not respond well while interacting with other drugs and may also lead to some side-effects. * Older people may not be regular in taking their medications, which may lead to sudden flare up of controlled asthma. They may forget certain doses, or may not be able to diagnose the symptoms of an attack. Treatment of asthma means rec
