01/02/12





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It’s not uncommon for people to get short-winded easier as they age, but shortness of breath shouldn’t be ignored at any age. It may be a sign of serious problems, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). When COPD is treated, people can better enjoy activities and life in general, and they will suffer fewer flare-ups of the disease.

COPD, sometimes called emphysema or chronic bronchitis, is a serious lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. This is caused by partly blocked airways that make it harder to move enough air out of the lungs. In addition to shortness of breath, signs of COPD include cough, sputum (phlegm) production, and wheezing. Current or former smokers are at much higher risk for getting COPD and account for most COPD sufferers. However, there are other risk factors, including working or living for a long time around chemicals, dust, fumes, or second-hand smoke.

If you think you or your elderly family member/ friend might have COPD, talk to the physician. He/she can arrange a test for the illness called “spirometry.” This can detect COPD even in its early stages.

There is no known cure for COPD, but there are several treatments that can help manage the symptoms. By lessening swelling in the lung’s air- ways (bronchial tubes), relaxing muscles around these tubes, and reducing mucus production, medicines such as bronchodilators and corticosteroids help COPD patients breathe easier. There also are some nondrug treatments that may help. These include oxygen therapy and special breathing exercises and other activities. The physician can help decide the best treatment(s) and help plan a treatment program specific to the person’s goals, interests, and choices.

►   Questions to Ask the Physician:

• When is shortness of breath or getting winded just a normal part of aging, and when is it a possible sign of COPD or other medical conditions?
• Is there a way to reduce the risk of COPD? How important is it for older smokers to kick the habit?
• How might COPD affect quality of life?
• What is the benefit of medicines to treat COPD in elders? How might nondrug treatments help? Is a formal pulmonary rehabilitation program a good idea?

►   What You Can Do:

• Work with the physician to identify and address lifestyle issues or habits that might increase the risk for COPD. Quit smoking!
• Talk with the physician and facility staff about how one’s hobbies, choices, goals, and interests might be affected by COPD.
• Don’t let others smoke around someone with COPD. Stay away from other sources of smoke (such as barbecues or fireplaces), fumes, or pollution.
• Limit outdoor activities in hot weather, especially when humidity or pollutants are high, and in very cold weather.

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