Why do elderly people feel short of breath during physical activity, and what should be done about it?

Shortness of breath during physical activity in older adults may result from physiological factors, or it could be caused by pathological conditions such as asthma or myocarditis. Treatment depends on the specific cause. Details are as follows:

I. Physiological Causes

With aging, respiratory function gradually declines, which may lead to breathlessness during exercise. This condition generally does not require treatment and can be alleviated by reducing exercise intensity.

II. Pathological Causes

1. Asthma

In elderly individuals with asthma, vigorous exercise may trigger an asthma attack, causing rapid breathing, chest tightness, and coughing. Patients can use medications such as beclomethasone dipropionate inhalation aerosol, salbutamol aerosol, or ipratropium bromide aerosol as directed by a physician to relieve symptoms.

2. Myocarditis

Myocarditis impairs the heart's ability to contract and relax. Physical activity increases cardiac workload, leading to chest tightness and shortness of breath, often accompanied by chest pain and arrhythmias. Patients may take medications such as creatine phosphate sodium tablets, coenzyme Q tablets, or vitamin C tablets under medical supervision.

Additionally, conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or heart failure may also cause these symptoms. It is recommended to take elderly individuals to the hospital for evaluation. If an underlying disease is identified, timely symptomatic treatment is necessary.