Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A disease of older persons

摘要

Numerous physiological changes in lung function occur with aging. These include a decline in forced expiratory volume (FEV1), an increase in residual volume, ventilation-perfusion mismatch, diminished respiratory muscle strength and less effective ciliary muscle strength. These changes place the older person at increased risk of mortality from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (GOPD). COPD occurs in approximately 15% of older persons and is the third most common cause of death. Older persons with COPD have a number of unique complications including osteoporosis and hip fracture, sar-copenia, cognitive impairment, male hypogonadism, malnutrition, and decreased awareness of hypoxia. Over one-half of older persons with COPD are frail, and the presence of frailty increases mortality substantially in older persons with COPD. COPD is a common cause of disability and a major cause of 30 day readmission after discharge from hospital.