What should be done for elderly patients with fluid accumulation in the lungs?
Dec 31, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xiao Ning
Introduction
Pulmonary effusion in the elderly may be caused by various factors, including physiological decline due to advanced age, excessive fluid intake, pneumonia, heart failure, or malignant pleural effusion. If the aforementioned conditions occur, it is recommended to seek treatment at a reputable hospital and follow the guidance of a physician regarding general treatment, medication, or surgical interventions. Additionally, elderly individuals should maintain healthy lifestyle habits and drink water in moderation.
Generally, pulmonary effusion in elderly individuals may be caused by age-related physiological decline, excessive fluid intake, pneumonia, heart failure, or malignant pleural effusion. If the above conditions occur, it is recommended to visit a reputable hospital and follow medical advice to undergo general treatment, medication, or surgical interventions as appropriate. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Age-related Physiological Decline
With advancing age, cardiopulmonary function gradually declines and vascular permeability increases, making fluid leakage more likely and potentially causing pulmonary effusion in the elderly. It is important to engage in regular cardiopulmonary conditioning.
2. Excessive Fluid Intake
As kidney function weakens with age, the ability to regulate water balance diminishes. Excessive water consumption or intravenous fluid administration may lead to pulmonary effusion in the elderly. Daily fluid intake should be limited accordingly.
3. Pneumonia
Infections and compromised immunity may lead to pneumonia. The inflammatory response caused by lung infections can result in congestion and edema of the alveoli and interstitial tissues, potentially causing pulmonary effusion in the elderly, often accompanied by symptoms such as fever and cough. Patients should follow medical advice and take prescribed medications such as cefuroxime axetil tablets, levofloxacin tablets, or aminophylline sustained-release tablets.
4. Heart Failure
Heart failure may be triggered by aging or excessive fatigue, leading to gradual weakening of the heart muscles and reduced cardiac pumping efficiency. This can cause impaired blood return, increased pulmonary vascular pressure, and fluid leakage into lung tissues and the pleural cavity, resulting in pulmonary effusion in the elderly. Symptoms such as frequent coughing and fatigue may also occur. Patients should follow medical recommendations and take medications such as hydrochlorothiazide tablets, captopril tablets, or torasemide tablets as prescribed.
5. Malignant Pleural Effusion
Malignant pleural effusion is caused by primary malignant tumors of the pleura or metastasis of malignant tumors from other parts of the body to the pleura. Malignant tumors may directly invade the pleura and lung tissue, impairing pulmonary ventilation and gas exchange functions, which can lead to pulmonary effusion in the elderly, often accompanied by symptoms such as chest tightness and shortness of breath. Under medical guidance, procedures such as pleurodesis may be performed, wherein a sclerosing agent is introduced into the pleural cavity via surgery or thoracoscopy to induce pleural adhesion and reduce fluid accumulation.
Ordinarily, elderly individuals should maintain healthy lifestyle habits, drink adequate amounts of water, and avoid excessive fatigue and prolonged poor posture.
