Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Elderly Patients

Felipe Cortopassi; Puncho Gurung; Victor Pinto-Plata

doi:10.1016/j.cger.2017.06.006

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Elderly Patients

Clin Geriatr Med. 2017 Nov;33(4):539-552. doi: 10.1016/j.cger.2017.06.006. Epub 2017 Aug 23.

Authors

Felipe Cortopassi¹, Puncho Gurung², Victor Pinto-Plata³

Affiliations

¹ Pulmonary Department, Hospital Universitario Pedro Ernesto, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Vinte e oito de Setembro, 77, Segundo andar, Vila Isabel, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 20551-30, Brazil.
² Pulmonary-Critical Care Medicine Division, Baystate Medical Center, 759 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01199, USA.
³ Pulmonary-Critical Care Medicine Division, Baystate Medical Center, 759 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01199, USA. Electronic address: victor.pinto-platamd@baystatehealth.org.

PMID: 28991649
DOI: 10.1016/j.cger.2017.06.006

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is prevalent in the elderly population, with high impact on quality of life, morbidity, and mortality. The diagnosis is usually made based on symptoms and spirometry values that support the presence of airflow obstruction. However, the condition is frequently underdiagnosed. COPD is associated with premature aging and several other medical conditions that can partially explain its underdiagnosis and management. There are several pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions proven to be effective in ameliorating the symptoms of COPD. Appropriate drug delivery and reduction of side effects is also pivotal in the management of patients with COPD.

Keywords: Aging; COPD; Dyspnea; Elderly; Pulmonary rehabilitation.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Aged
Disease Management
Humans
Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive* / diagnosis
Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive* / physiopathology
Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive* / psychology
Quality of Life*
Respiratory Function Tests / methods*