Topical issues in rehabilitation treatment of asthma in the elderly

Аsthma in the elderly is a significant medical and social problem due to its high prevalence, polymorbidity, polypharmacy, and age-related changes in the body's regulatory systems. This review examines current approaches and features of the restorative treatment of аsthma in the elderly. Attention is drawn to the importance of using non-drug methods in the restorative treatment of elderly patients, including physical rehabilitation, breathing exercises, educational programs, and physiotherapy. The main physiotherapeutic methods (inhalation therapy, laser therapy, ultrasound, magnetic therapy, electrotherapy, speleoclimatotherapy, interval hypoxic hyperoxytherapy), their mechanisms of action, and the evidence base for their effectiveness are presented. It is noted that age is not a contraindication for physiotherapy treatment. Particular attention is paid to the principles of rehabilitation in elderly patients, which require an individualized, comprehensive, dosed, and safe approach, taking into account age-related characteristics and comorbidities. Insufficient study of the long-term effects and specific application of many methods in geriatrics is noted. Further research into the specific application of physiotherapy methods in the elderly, taking into account involutional processes and comorbidities, will enable the development of individualized rehabilitation programs. The need to improve the accessibility and quality of rehabilitation care for this category of patients is emphasized.