[Therapy of pneumologic diseases in the aged]

Chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD), especially obstructive bronchitis and obstructive lung emphysema, are the most common pulmonary diseases of the elderly. In around 10% of over 65's they cause the death of the individual. The aetiology of these phenomena is still not clear. In pathophysiological terms, a loss in lung function occurs during the natural process of aging, pulmonary and extrapulmonary disease and other environmental factors. Any reduction in function of other organ systems must be taken into consideration when ordering therapeutical measures in treating COLD. The following stepwise-orientated scheme can be recommended in the treatment of COLD in elderly patients: Theophylline, beta 2-adrenergic agents, Anticholinergic drugs, Corticoid therapy, Mucolytica and secretolytica, Physiotherapy, Measures to increase arterial pO2 - either with oxygen therapy at home or with Almitrin, Antibiotica.