COPD Underdiagnosed in Older Adults, but Can Be Managed

The latest issue of the Gerontological Society of America's What's Hot newsletter focuses on what is known concerning the prevalence, incidence, and effect of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among older adults, reports Medical Xpress . The condition is underdiagnosed in older adults despite high incidence, which is attributed to poor awareness of symptoms among patients and providers, low suspicion of malady, and inadequate remuneration for diagnostic tests. Underdiagnosis may happen because older adults mistake shortness of breath or other symptoms as a normal sign of aging, and do not mention these symptoms to healthcare providers. Yet outcomes can be improved with proper disclosure of symptoms, screening, and treatment. COPD also has well-established guidelines for managing the disease, but greater awareness and compliance to guidelines among healthcare providers is necessary. "Early diagnosis and optimal management through pulmonary rehabilitation, immunizations, smoking cessation support, behavioral changes, oxygen therapy when needed, management of associated comorbidities, and pharmacotherapy will enable people with COPD to improve symptoms, increase functional capacity, and live life to its fullest," said Barbara Yawn, a member of the advisory board that oversaw the newest edition of What's Hot .