Coping with Asthma in Adults

Asthma in adults rarely gains the attention it deserves. Roughly one in 11 children and one in 12 adults have asthma, which can emerge for the first time in people in their 70s and 80s. Yet approximately 97% deaths from asthma occur among adults. Tragically, Asthma UK suggests that improved care could avoid 75% of hospital admissions for asthma and up to 90% of deaths from the disease. This book looks at the specific issues, factors and interventions that can alleviate and prevent asthma in adults. Asthma in adults presents different challenges to that in children. Older people may perceive symptoms differently, or blame them on advancing age. Or they may face problems with concurrent medicines, or with diseases that can complicate management, such as emphysema, heart failure, bronchitis and COPD. Topics include: * Why asthma in adults is becoming more common* What is asthma? And why is it different for adults? The signs and symptoms* What causes asthma? Allergy, occupation and beyond* Diagnosing asthma, and the diseases that can complicate diagnosis* Drug treatments* Self-help including how to address risks at work Asthma in adults rarely gains the attention it deserves. Roughly one in 11 children and one in 12 adults have asthma, which can emerge for the first time in people in their 70s and 80s. Yet approximately 97% deaths from asthma occur among adults. Tragically, Asthma UK suggests that improved care could avoid 75% of hospital admissions for asthma and up to 90% of deaths from the disease. This book looks at the specific issues, factors and interventions that can alleviate and prevent asthma in adults.