What should be done for emphysema in elderly patients?

Sep 22, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Ren Yi

Introduction

Pulmonary emphysema in the elderly may be caused by decreased lung tissue elasticity, a long history of smoking, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, asthma, chronic bronchitis, and other factors. It is important to maintain healthy lifestyle habits and avoid harmful exposures, such as quitting smoking and reducing exposure to air pollution, to improve lung health and prevent emphysema and other lung diseases.

Generally, pulmonary emphysema refers to emphysema. Emphysema in elderly individuals may be caused by decreased lung tissue elasticity, a history of long-term smoking, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, asthma, chronic bronchitis, and other factors. Treatment can be carried out under medical guidance through general management and medication. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Decreased Lung Tissue Elasticity

With aging, elastic fibers in the lungs gradually diminish, leading to reduced lung tissue elasticity. This impairs the lungs' ability to effectively expel air during exhalation, resulting in abnormal air accumulation in the alveoli and triggering emphysema. Regular pulmonary rehabilitation exercises can help improve this condition.

2. Long-Term Smoking History

Chemicals in tobacco damage alveolar walls and small airways, provoke inflammatory responses, disrupt normal lung structure, and reduce elasticity, thereby causing pulmonary emphysema. Quitting smoking in daily life can significantly improve this condition.

3. Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is primarily associated with genetic mutations. This condition leads to insufficient production of alpha-1 antitrypsin in the body, making lung tissue more susceptible to damage and thus causing the aforementioned symptoms. It may be accompanied by early-onset shortness of breath, weight loss, and other symptoms. Patients should follow medical advice to take medications such as hepatoprotective tablets, compound glycyrrhizin capsules, and danazol capsules for treatment.

4. Asthma

Asthma may result from a combination of factors including genetics, climate, and medications. Long-term uncontrolled asthma can lead to airway remodeling, which promotes the development of emphysema. Symptoms may include wheezing and nighttime breathing difficulties. Medications such as budesonide, salbutamol sulfate tablets, and ipratropium bromide aerosol should be used under medical supervision.

5. Chronic Bronchitis

Smoking, infections, allergies, and other factors can trigger chronic bronchitis. Chronic inflammation leads to structural remodeling of the lungs and airway narrowing, impairing gas exchange and resulting in pulmonary emphysema. Symptoms may include severe shortness of breath, sputum production, and frequent respiratory infections. Medications such as terbutaline sulfate granules, acetylcysteine granules, and erdosteine capsules should be taken according to medical instructions.

Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits and avoiding harmful exposures—such as quitting smoking and reducing exposure to air pollution—are important for enhancing lung health and preventing emphysema and other lung diseases.

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