What should be done for an elderly person experiencing chest tightness and shortness of breath?

Treatment for chest tightness and shortness of breath in the elderly should be determined under a doctor's guidance, based on an analysis of physiological causes or pathological conditions such as pulmonary embolism and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

I. Physiological Causes

In elderly individuals, intense emotional reactions—such as extreme joy or sorrow—may lead to labored breathing due to significant fluctuations in mood. Generally, no specific treatment is required; symptoms typically resolve spontaneously once emotions stabilize.

II. Pathological Causes

1. Pulmonary Embolism

A dislodged blood clot can block the pulmonary artery, reducing blood flow through the heart and causing breathlessness. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use anticoagulant medications such as warfarin sodium tablets, dabigatran etexilate capsules, or rivaroxaban tablets.

2. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

During the course of the disease, the lungs are chronically inflamed, leading to chest tightness and shortness of breath. Under medical supervision, anti-infective therapy may include medications such as moxifloxacin hydrochloride tablets, levofloxacin tablets, or cefuroxime axetil tablets.

In addition, conditions such as tuberculosis may also cause chest tightness and shortness of breath in the elderly. Prompt medical evaluation and adherence to prescribed treatments are essential.