From the Guidelines
The term for geriatric wheezing is often referred to as "senile emphysema" or age-related emphysema. This condition is characterized by decreased lung elasticity and reduced efficiency of gas exchange in the lungs due to normal aging processes, as described in the guidelines for the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 1. It's not a disease per se, but rather a natural consequence of aging that can lead to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, and reduced exercise tolerance.
To manage this condition:
- Use bronchodilators like albuterol (2 puffs every 4-6 hours as needed) to help open airways.
- Practice deep breathing exercises and pursed-lip breathing to improve lung efficiency.
- Maintain regular physical activity to preserve lung function.
- Avoid smoking and exposure to air pollutants.
- Consider using supplemental oxygen if prescribed by a doctor.
These changes occur because, with age, the lungs lose some of their elastic recoil, and the chest wall becomes stiffer, as noted in the diagnosis and management of stable COPD guidelines 1. This makes it harder to fully exhale, trapping air in the lungs and leading to the characteristic wheezing sound. While this process can't be completely prevented, maintaining overall health and avoiding lung irritants can help slow its progression and manage symptoms effectively, in line with the recommendations for the diagnosis and management of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 1.
From the Research
Geriatric Wheezing
The term for geriatric wheezing is not explicitly defined in the provided studies. However, the studies discuss various respiratory conditions that may cause wheezing in the elderly, including:
- Asthma 2
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 2, 3, 4, 5
- Congestive heart failure 2
- Pulmonary aspiration 2
- Pulmonary embolism 2
- Bronchogenic carcinoma 2
Causes of Wheezing
Wheezing in the elderly may be caused by various factors, including:
Diagnosis and Treatment
The diagnosis and treatment of wheezing in the elderly depend on the underlying cause. The studies suggest that:
- A postbronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) ratio of 0.7 or less is diagnostic for COPD 5
- Long-acting beta2-agonists and long-acting muscarinic antagonists are first-line treatments for patients with persistently symptomatic COPD 5
- Wheezing can be used as a clinical sign of bronchial obstruction for long-term monitoring 6