Asthma treatment underutilized among older adults

Asthma is often thought of as a childhood disease, but older adults are also susceptible to this common respiratory condition. New research shows that only 53% of older adults with asthma use prescribed inhalers. A small study published in the May issue of Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology also found that among people with asthma age 60 and older, 89% also had allergies to mold, animals, or dust mites. If you have asthma or its symptoms, including wheezing and a tightness in your chest, you should seek treatment. The condition can be life-threatening.