Document Detail


COPD in the elderly patient.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  20941660     Owner:  NLM     Status:  In-Process    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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 non-pharmacological 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.
Authors:
Nicola A Hanania; Gulshan Sharma; Amir Sharafkhaneh
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article     Date:  2010-10-12
Journal Detail:
Title:  Seminars in respiratory and critical care medicine     Volume:  31     ISSN:  1098-9048     ISO Abbreviation:  Semin Respir Crit Care Med     Publication Date:  2010 Oct 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2010-10-13     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  9431858     Medline TA:  Semin Respir Crit Care Med     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  596-606     Citation Subset:  IM    
Copyright Information:
© Thieme Medical Publishers.
Affiliation:
Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 1504 Taub Loop, Houston, TX 77030, USA. hanania@bcm.edu
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