The asthma death rate among women older than 65 is nearly four times higher than in other groups, according to an article published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. The article outlines the challenges faced by older women in treating asthma, and offers practical solutions to improve their care.

The article points out that the asthma rate is no greater in older women than in other segments of the population, but that the amount of illness and death is much higher.

“Allergists want older women to understand that getting their asthma under control can help them control a range of other adverse health conditions,” said allergist Alan Baptist, MD, MPH, lead study author and ACAAI member. “Recent studies have shown that older women with multiple health problems admit that asthma takes a backseat to other conditions. We want them, with the help of their allergists, to view controlling their asthma as a priority.”