Dr. Eboni Green
September 23, 2021
Everyone knows that the lungs are essential organs for breathing, but most people only think about the importance of inhaling oxygen. However, the lungs also provide the essential function of exhaling carbon dioxide. If the ability to either inhale or exhale is affected, breathing can suffer greatly. Let’s look at what causes shortness of breath in the elderly.
Age itself can contribute to a decline in lung capacity because bones thin and change shape during the aging process. The rib cage is not immune to this effect, and the lungs are limited to the confines of the rib cage. The immune system could also become less effective the older one gets, and with that comes an increased risk of lung infections.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most common causes of shortness of breath in older populations. It limits airflow both into and out of the lungs because of increased mucus, loss of airway elasticity, thickened airways, and lung damage. If your parent is a long-time smoker suffering from shortness of breath, COPD could be the root of the problem.
Obesity can cause obesity hypoventilation syndrome, which results in too much carbon dioxide in the bloodstream. Headaches, sluggishness, and fatigue are other symptoms, so if your parent is displaying any of these and is also overweight, talk to their doctor about obesity hypoventilation syndrome. Healthy lifestyle changes can have a big effect on fighting this, so encourage exercise and a healthy diet.
Low-impact exercises are extremely useful in combating obesity, and oxygen therapy is almost assuredly the way to go if the problem is COPD. Oxygen therapy reduces breathlessness, allows for safer travel, lowers the risk of heart disease, and—most importantly—extends the life span of COPD patients.
Now that you know what causes shortness of breath in the elderly, talk to your parent’s doctor about starting oxygen therapy to help them breathe easier again.
