What should be done if an elderly person cannot exhale carbon dioxide properly?

When elderly individuals are unable to effectively expel carbon dioxide, different treatment approaches can be selected depending on the underlying cause. Common causes include respiratory dysfunction, pulmonary edema, and pulmonary fibrosis.

1. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

If type II respiratory failure caused by COPD leads to impaired CO₂ elimination, medications may be used under medical guidance to dilate or relax the airways and relieve shortness of breath. Commonly used drugs include salbutamol aerosol, ipratropium bromide aerosol, and budesonide/formoterol powder for inhalation.

2. Pulmonary edema

If alveolar ventilation is obstructed due to pulmonary edema, diuretic medications may be prescribed to reduce fluid accumulation and alleviate edema. Commonly used diuretics include furosemide tablets, torasemide tablets, and hydrochlorothiazide tablets.

3. Pulmonary fibrosis

If impaired ventilation results from pulmonary fibrosis, medications such as pirfenidone capsules, nintedanib esilate soft capsules, and carbocisteine tablets may be used under medical supervision to slow disease progression. In severe cases, lung transplantation may be considered based on physician recommendations to extend survival.

In addition, this condition may also result from cor pulmonale, and treatment should follow medical advice.