Polypharmacy in older patients with asthma: hidden risks and opportunities for improvement

Abstract

Introduction: Polypharmacy can be considered the norm in elderly patients, because older individuals experience an increasing number of concomitant respiratory and non-respiratory diseases other than asthma, carrying the risk of drug-to-drug-interactions and drug-to-comorbidities interactions. In this context, asthma in older adults, conventionally aging >65 years of age, cannot be adequately managed without considering their individual characteristics, as these challenge the traditional therapeutic algorithms/management strategies commonly applied to younger populations.

Areas covered: The current article aims at addressing pitfalls and advantages of current pharmacological strategies in older individuals with asthma. Comorbidities become more common with increasing age and are also more frequent in adults with asthma than in those without it. Multiple medications are often needed to control asthma symptoms and prevent asthma exacerbations, and older patients with asthma may also take multiple medications for common comorbidities and complex health conditions, such as chronic cardiometabolic diseases. Polypharmacy is an emerging concern in the elderly population.

Expert opinion: A patient-centered approach is crucial and polypharmacy in asthma requires careful management. A multidisciplinary approach will allow for a more holistic care and will ensure that all aspects of a patient's health are considered, optimizing medication management.

Keywords: Asthma; comorbidities; elderly; geriatric asthma; multidisciplinary approach.