An evaluation of association between accommodation problems and respiratory symptoms in a population of older English people: an English longitudinal study of ageing

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to assess a) the impact of accommodation problems and the role of various coexisting risk factors on respiratory symptoms in elderly population in England. b) the effect of comorbidities on each respiratory symptom and finally c) if poor respiratory function coexists with respiratory symptoms. METHODS: For the purpose of this study data from Wave II of English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) was used. A number of 7666 participants over 50 years of age took part in the Wave II. Phlegm, shortness of breath and wheezing were selected for analysis. Each respiratory symptom was investigated separately in relation to accommodation problems, age, gender, smoking, BMI, physical activity, wealth, FEV1/FVC and charlson comorbidity index. RESULTS: Accommodation problems, smoking and the number of comorbidities are significantly correlated with increased occurrence of sputum, shortness of breath and wheezing. Gender and increased age are significant risk factors for sputum (p<0.01) and shortness of breath (p<0.01). Obesity is significantly related with wheezing and shortness of breath (p<0.01) but not with sputum. The moderate and vigorous level of exercise is negatively correlated with shortness of breath and wheezing (p<0.0l). There is a significant negative correlation between the level of gross wealth and the reporting of sputum, shortness of breathe and wheezing (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Accommodation problems, smoking, the number of comorbidities and the level of gross wealth are significant risk factors for respiratory symptoms in elderly people. Obesity is a risk factor for wheezing and shortness of breath but age and gender influence the prevalence of sputum and shortness of breath. The respiratory symptoms in elderly are followed by airflow limitation.