title: [Asthma in the elderly--estimation of natural disease course].
abstract: Bronchial asthma in the elderly is the significant medical problem because it is often underdiagnosed and insufficiently treated. The aim of the study was the assessment of natural course of bronchial asthma and its diagnostic procedures and treatment in patients after 65 yrs. The study group consisted of 181 patients suffering from asthma, at mean age 69 +/- 2.1 yrs. Apart from retrospective analysis, spirometry, skin tests and serum IgE concentration were performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean duration of asthma was 23 +/- 7.2 yrs and in most cases time of proper diagnosis was prolonged. 49% of elderly patients bad a positive history to atopy. In spirometry the mean value of FEV1 was 2.78 +/- 1.3 l/s. House dust mites were the most common allergen confirmed by skin prick tests and specific serum IgE level.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The observations proved underdiagnosis and insufficient treatment of asthma in the elderly. Positive skin test and specific IgE observed in a large group of elderly objects can indicate atopic mechanism in these cases.
authors.affiliation: Katedra i Klinika Chorób Wewnetrznych i Dermatologii Sl. AM w Zabrzu. Andrzej.927393@pharmanet.com.pl
authors.forename: Andrzej
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bozek
authors.forename: Santa
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Besser
authors.forename: Jerzy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jarzab
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology; D039741:Antigens, Dermatophagoides / Q000276:immunology; D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology; D016535:Bronchial Hyperreactivity / Q000276:immunology; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000276:immunology; D018450:Disease Progression; D004391:Dust / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D039981:Pyroglyphidae / Q000276:immunology; D012130:Respiratory Hypersensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D012882:Skin Tests; D013147:Spirometry
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D039741:Antigens, Dermatophagoides; D004391:Dust; D007073:Immunoglobulin E