Undiagnosed asthma in older people: an underestimated problem.

David H. Wilson, Sarah L. Appleton, Robert John Adams, Richard E. Ruffin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

16 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

What we need to know

Are older people with respiratory symptoms aware this could be asthma?

Which explanations for undiagnosed asthma apply most commonly in older Australians with asthma?

Can we improve awareness of asthma in older people with undiagnosed asthma?

Is the possibility of asthma in older people firmly established on the general practitioners’ radar screen?

What reasons most often determine whether GPs perform spirometry in their practice?

What we need to do

Conduct a representative population study to assess whether older Australians recognise respiratory symptoms as being asthma and are reporting these symptoms.

Conduct and evaluate a pilot asthma health promotion program for older people.

Conduct a controlled therapeutic trial of people with undiagnosed asthma to assess treatment benefits and produce treatment recommendations.

Identify whether the prominence of asthma in older people can be brought to the attention of GPs.

Analyse more carefully the issues associated with innovation of office spirometry.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)S20-S22
Number of pages3
JournalMedical Journal of Australia
Volume183
Issue number1 Suppl
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 4 Jul 2005
Externally publishedYes

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