Dyspnea in the Elderly

Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2016 Aug;34(3):543-58. doi: 10.1016/j.emc.2016.04.007.

Abstract

This article discusses the evaluation and management of stable and unstable elderly patients with dyspnea. Several of the changes in the elderly that alter cardiopulmonary physiology are discussed. A review of common presenting illnesses and their evaluation and management are highlighted. The reader should be left with a better understanding of this unique population and the overall evaluation and treatment.

Keywords: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Congestive heart failure; Dyspnea; Elderly; Geriatric; Oxygenation; Respiratory; Ventilation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Dyspnea / diagnosis*
  • Dyspnea / etiology
  • Dyspnea / physiopathology
  • Dyspnea / therapy
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Heart Diseases / complications
  • Heart Diseases / diagnosis
  • Heart Diseases / therapy
  • Humans
  • Physical Examination
  • Pneumonia / complications
  • Pneumonia / diagnosis
  • Pneumonia / therapy
  • Pneumothorax / complications
  • Pneumothorax / diagnosis
  • Pneumothorax / therapy
  • Pulmonary Embolism / complications
  • Pulmonary Embolism / diagnosis
  • Pulmonary Embolism / therapy