Silvestri G A, Mahler D A
Department of Medicine, Dartmouth University Medical School of Medicine, Lebanon, New Hampshire.
Clin Chest Med. 1993 Sep;14(3):393-404.
The symptom of dyspnea in the elderly person should not be considered part of the "normal aging process." Instead, the history, examination, and testing should focus on cardiac disease, respiratory disease, and deconditioning as the most likely causes. Because respiratory sensation is diminished with aging, breathlessness may not develop until a more advanced stage of disease or dysfunction. Clinical measurement of dyspnea is important to assess its severity and to evaluate response to treatment. Specific treatment should be directed toward the pathophysiology of the underlying disease. General strategies for relieving dyspnea include breathing techniques, exercise training and reconditioning, oxygen therapy, improved nutrition, and, in selective cases, psychotropic medication.
老年人的呼吸困难症状不应被视为“正常衰老过程”的一部分。相反，病史、体格检查和检测应着重关注心脏病、呼吸系统疾病以及身体机能下降，这些是最可能的病因。由于随着年龄增长呼吸感觉会减退，气喘可能直到疾病或功能障碍发展到更晚期才会出现。呼吸困难的临床测量对于评估其严重程度以及评价治疗反应很重要。具体治疗应针对潜在疾病的病理生理学。缓解呼吸困难的一般策略包括呼吸技巧、运动训练和身体机能恢复、氧疗、改善营养，以及在特定情况下使用精神药物。
