Old age comes with many changes that lead to the gradual decline of the respiratory system’s maximum function and the weakening of the respiratory muscles. This increases susceptibility to respiratory illnesses. Risk factors for respiratory diseases in the elderly include age-related changes that affect airway reactivity.
Understanding the respiratory illnesses that older adults are likely to contract and their symptoms is key to ensuring early detection and treatment, helping older adults live long, productive lives. Discussed below are four common respiratory diseases for seniors.
Table of Contents
1. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common respiratory illness in older adults, with research estimating that between 11% and 18% of people aged 65 and above are living with it. Besides affecting a senior’s breathing, the disease can interfere with their capacity to socialize, move around, and complete daily tasks. An inflammation and irritation build-up in the lung tissue can lead to COPD, damaging air sacs and airwaves and making them less elastic. An older adult with COPD shows the following symptoms:
- Coughing
- Regular lung infections
- Wheezing
- Coughing up mucus
- Difficulties with breathing, particularly with exercise
COPD is a chronic illness that worsens over time if left untreated. While this disease has no cure, solutions like pulmonary care rehab can help improve a senior’s well-being. Medications, oxygen therapy, and lifestyle changes can also help an older adult manage their COPD symptoms.
2. Asthma
Statistics suggest that over two million Americans aged 65 and older have asthma. Asthma in older adults is hard to diagnose because of issues like:
- Trouble conducting lung function tests
- Other age-related health problems that can be related to asthma, like COPD and congestive heart failure
- Medications for other conditions
Seniors with asthma may experience shortness of breath, chest pain/ tightness, cough, and more. Asthma treatment in older adults may include avoiding/reducing triggers and taking medications as prescribed. Note that seniors may have difficulties using asthma inhalers because of arthritis or inability to inhale well enough to receive the medicine. In such cases, the doctor may prescribe a nebulizer as it’s easier to use.
3. Lung cancer
Lung cancer is an illness where cells around and in the lungs start growing out of control. The disease starts in the lungs and may spread to other body parts like the lymph nodes. Most lung cancers may not show any early symptoms until they’ve spread to other body parts. It’s important to remain up-to-date with annual checkups and routine tests so the disease is detected early enough. Common lung cancer symptoms in seniors include:
- Chest pain that mostly worsens with laughing, coughing, deep breathing
- Coughing out rust-colored or blood sputum
- Hoarseness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Shortness of breath
Once diagnosed, treatments include chemotherapy and radiation. Immunotherapy and surgery are other treatment options.
4. Chronic bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis is an inflammation or irritation of the lungs’ airways that lasts over three months. This irritation causes thick mucus to form in the airways, plugging them up and making it difficult for air to reach the lungs, resulting in breathing difficulties.
A persistent cough that lasts several months and almost always generates mucus is the primary sign of chronic bronchitis. This disease is caused by cigarette smoking and long-term exposure to substances that irritate the lungs. Treatments like bronchodilators and oxygen therapy can help treat chronic bronchitis.
Endnote
Aging increases the risk of respiratory illnesses due to the structural changes it brings. Familiarize yourself with the common respiratory diseases for seniors.
