Despite a better understanding of the pathophysiology and advances in treatment, the prevalence, morbidity, and mortality continue to rise. The percentage of the population that is affected with asthma is highest in those under age 18 and over age 65. More than five percent of people over 65 have asthma. Among 804 subjects age 65 and older enrolled in a longitudinal study of the general population, asthma was present in 3.8 percent of men and 7.1 percent of women. A study conducted by Bardana shows that between 27 and 38 percent of children with asthma who experience a remission as young adults have a recurrence of the disease after age 45.
Elderly asthmatics tend to be former smokers or have a history of allergic disease.
The IgE reactions in older people tend to be lower than in younger people. However, when IgE levels are compared between elderly with asthma and elderly without asthma, those with asthma tend to have higher IgE levels. Regardless of the person's age, diagnosing a patient with asthma is a challenge. In a study of 199 elderly patients from north Wales, asthma in the elderly was found to be overlooked. This may be due to the fact that perceived severity of symptoms, response to medications and comorbidities are often different between age groups.