Dyspnoea in elderly subjects caused by respiratory diseases

Czech version

Authors: M. Doubková; J. Skřičková
Authors‘ workplace: Přednosta: prof. MUDr. Jana Skřičková, CSc. ; Klinika nemocí plicních a tuberkulózy LF Masarykovy univerzity a FN Brno
Published in: Prakt. Lék. 2010; 90(10): 589-592
Category: Reviews

Overview

Dyspnoea is a common and important symptom, not only caused by respiratory diseases. Dyspnoea is a subjective experience of absence of breathing. It arises when the respiratory system cannot fully function. Differential diagnosis of dyspnoea is extensive; we have to distinguish

–⁠ the respiratory cause of dyspnoea (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, pneumonia, pneumothorax, tumor, pleural effusion, interstitial lung diseases),

–⁠ cardiovascular cause (heart attack, ischemic heart disease, arrhythmia, heart failure, lung embolism), and

–⁠ other causes (otorhinolaryngology causes, metabolic acidosis, infection of central nervous system, anemia, psychogenic dyspnoea).

In elderly patients suffering from many diseases, dyspnoea is particularly caused by a combination of factors. In this situation we have to choose an interdisciplinary approach to patients. Treatment and prognosis depends on the nature of the disease causing dyspnoea.

Key words:
dyspnoea, elderly, etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, complication, therapy, prognosis.

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