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Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2010; 31(5): 596-606
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1265900
© Thieme Medical Publishers

COPD in the Elderly Patient

Nicola A. Hanania1 , Gulshan Sharma2 , Amir Sharafkhaneh1 , 3
  • 1Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
  • 2Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
  • 3Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Medical Care Line, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, Texas
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Publication History

Publication Date:
12 October 2010 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The elderly are especially prone to the adverse health effects of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is a common disorder in that population. While the prevalence and morbidity of COPD in the elderly are high, it is often undiagnosed and thus undertreated. The diagnosis of COPD is primarily based on the physiological documentation of airflow limitation using spirometry. However, several controversies exist as to the range of predicted normal values for these measurements in the elderly population, and the clinical presentation of COPD in the elderly may be complicated by the presence of several comorbidities. Many nonpharmcological and pharmacological interventions are available for managing COPD. However, management of COPD in the elderly population may be challenged by the “polypharmacy” of medications that these patients often take, which can interfere with compliance with therapy. Additionally, the elderly often suffer from physical or cognitive disabilities that can prevent compliance with prescribed medications. Lastly, adverse effects from medications prescribed for treatment of COPD may be more pervasive in elderly patients.

KEYWORDS

Aging - emphysema - chronic bronchitis - COPD

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Nicola A HananiaM.D. M.S. 

Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine

Baylor College of Medicine, 1504 Taub Loop, Houston, TX 77030

Email: hanania@bcm.edu

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