6533b85cfe1ef96bd12bc938

RESEARCH PRODUCT

The use of bronchodilators in the treatment of airway obstruction in elderly patients

Maria Gabriella MateraMario CazzolaVincenzo BelliaSalvatore Battaglia

subject

Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicinemedicine.medical_specialtymedicine.drug_classSettore MED/10 - Malattie Dell'Apparato RespiratorioCholinergic AntagonistsPulmonary Disease Chronic ObstructiveElderlyBronchodilatorasthma COPDmedicineHumansPharmacology (medical)Intensive care medicineAdverse effectAsthmaAgedCOPDbusiness.industryBiochemistry (medical)Airway obstructionAdrenergic beta-Agonistsmedicine.diseaseComorbidityrespiratory tract diseasesBronchodilator AgentsbronchodilatorsAirway ObstructionBronchodilator AgentsXanthinesAirwaybusiness

description

Abstract Ageing is associated with important anatomical, physiological and psychosocial changes that may have an impact on the management of obstructive airway diseases (asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)) and on their optimal therapy. Ageing-related modifications might be responsible for a different effectiveness of bronchodilators in the elderly patients as compared to younger subjects. Furthermore, the physiological involution of organs and the frequent comorbidity, often interfere with pharmacokinetics of bronchodilator drugs used in asthma and COPD. This review will focus on the use of bronchodilators in the elderly, with particular attention to the achievable goals and to rationale, utility and pitfalls in using the inhalation therapy in this age group. β 2 -agonists, anticholinergics and methylxanthines will be discussed and their side effects in the elderly will be considered.

yearjournalcountryeditionlanguage
2006-01-01
10.1016/j.pupt.2005.08.004http://hdl.handle.net/10447/20895