Lower respiratory tract infections in elderly patients with asthma

Alan J. Hunter, Richard E. Bryant

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Asthma continues to be a significant disorder for the geriatric population. Although aging and asthma itself may predispose individuals to more severe and protracted infections, the organisms and course of infections in elderly individuals are more dependent upon associated comorbidities and overall physiologic health, rather than any age of asthma-associated immune deficiencies. Except for the recent association with Chlamydia pneumoniae, and the known association with ABPA, the causes of pneumonia in the elderly asthmatic are similar to those occurring in nonasthmatic elderly. This article reviews the effects of aging, nutrition, and asthma on the host immune system, and the role of infection in the pathogenesis and exacerbations of asthma. Additionally, the authors review admission decision analysis in the elderly, concluding with preventive and therapeutic strategies for the elderly patient with pneumonia.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)671-700
Number of pages30
JournalImmunology and Allergy Clinics of North America
Volume17
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1997

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology

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