Chronic Respiratory Abnormalities in the Multi-Morbid Frail Elderly

Abstract

Two-thirds of people aged ≥65 years have multi-morbidity. Multi-morbidity includes both physical and mental health conditions, as anxiety and depression, that almost invariably affect patients with multiple symptomatic chronic diseases. Management of a patient with any of the chronic diseases that are part of multi-morbidity is not just the management of that single index disease, but must include the active search and proper treatment of concomitant chronic diseases. The presence of concomitant chronic diseases should not alter the management of the index disease (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD]), and concomitant chronic diseases should be treated according to single diseases guidelines regardless of the presence of the index disease, obviously with careful consideration that this choice implies complex management, polypharmacy and potential adverse effects. Preliminary management programs suggest that a holistic integrated approach might improve quality of life and reduce hospital admissions and death in these multimorbid patients. (BRN Rev. 2017;3:247-66)

Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease 2023 Report: GOLD Executive Summary

“…COPD almost invariably coexists with other diseases (see below) that may significantly impact the patient's clinical condition and prognosis [ 162 ]. These comorbid conditions complicate the clinical picture because they can mimic the clinical presentation of COPD with similar complaints of dyspnea and chest tightness/pain and lead to misdiagnosis and missed opportunities for treatment.…”

Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease 2023 Report: GOLD Executive Summary

“…COPD almost invariably coexists with other diseases ( see below ) that may significantly affect the patient’s clinical condition and prognosis ( 162 ). These comorbid conditions complicate the clinical picture because they can mimic the clinical presentation of COPD, with similar complaints of dyspnea and chest tightness/pain, and lead to misdiagnosis and missed opportunities for treatment.…”

Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease 2023 Report: GOLD Executive Summary

“…COPD almost invariably coexists with other diseases (see below) that may significantly impact the patient's clinical condition and prognosis (162) These comorbid conditions complicate the clinical picture because they can mimic the clinical presentation of COPD with similar complaints of dyspnea and chest tightness/pain and lead to misdiagnosis and missed opportunities for treatment. Additionally, comorbid conditions can further limit the pulmonary reserve of patients with COPD.…”