A 70-year-old elderly person constantly feels short of breath.

Jun 05, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
An elderly person aged 70 who constantly feels short of breath may be experiencing symptoms caused by excessive fatigue, asthma, myocarditis, or other reasons. Patients can follow medical advice to improve their condition through general treatments, medication, and other therapies. If older adults are overly fatigued, it may lead to autonomic nervous system dysfunction, resulting in symptoms such as chest tightness and difficulty breathing, thereby causing persistent breathlessness. It is recommended that elderly individuals avoid excessive physical strain.

Under normal circumstances, persistent breath-holding in a 70-year-old elderly person may be caused by excessive fatigue, asthma, myocarditis, or other reasons. Patients can follow medical advice to improve symptoms through general management and medication. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Excessive Fatigue

Excessive physical strain in daily life may lead to autonomic nervous system dysfunction in elderly individuals, resulting in symptoms such as chest tightness and difficulty breathing, thereby causing persistent breath-holding. It is recommended that elderly individuals get adequate rest and avoid overexertion.

2. Asthma

Asthma is a lung disease caused by reversible airway obstruction. In elderly individuals, long-term smoking may trigger asthma, leading to airway mucosal edema, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, cyanosis, and other symptoms. Treatment may include medications such as beclomethasone dipropionate inhalation aerosol or budesonide inhalation powder, used as directed by a physician.

3. Myocarditis

Due to advanced age and reduced immune function, elderly individuals may become infected with viruses that induce myocarditis, resulting in symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and palpitations. Patients may take medications such as furosemide tablets or acyclovir tablets under medical guidance.

Besides the above causes, persistent breath-holding could also result from conditions such as coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, myocardial infarction, or heart failure. It is recommended that elderly individuals visit a hospital for a thorough examination to determine the exact cause and receive appropriate, targeted treatment.


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