COPD (Chronic Lung Disease) in Older Adults
Plain-language information about COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and chronic lung disease in older adults. This page is for older Canadians and their caregivers. It does not replace advice from your own health-care provider.
1. What is COPD / chronic lung disease?
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a long-term lung condition that makes it harder to breathe. It usually includes:
Chronic bronchitis
Inflamed, narrowed airways with extra mucus
Emphysema
Damage to the air sacs in the lungs
Other chronic lung conditions (such as some types of chronic asthma) can have similar breathing problems.
Common symptoms
Did you know?
COPD is often linked to long-term smoking or exposure to air pollutants, but not always. Some people develop COPD without ever smoking.
2. Why COPD matters more in older adults
COPD is common in older adults and can:
- Make everyday activities like walking, dressing, or climbing stairs difficult
- Lead to frequent lung infections and hospital stays
- Increase the risk of weight loss, muscle weakness, and mood changes
- Occur alongside heart disease, osteoporosis, or other conditions
For older adults
Medications for COPD (especially inhalers and some pills) must be used carefully in older adults, especially if there are other heart problems, eye problems, or trouble using inhaler devices.
3. How doctors usually treat COPD
Health-care providers often consider:
- How severe your breathing problems are
- Results of lung function tests (such as spirometry)
- How often you have flare-ups or infections
- Other health conditions and medications
Treatment often includes:
Open airways and/or reduce inflammation
Flu and pneumonia vaccines to reduce infections
Exercise and education programs
For very low oxygen levels
Quitting smoking
If you smoke, quitting is the single most important thing you can do to slow COPD progression. Your provider can offer support and resources to help.
Important
This website does not tell you which inhaler or treatment plan is right for you. Only your provider can do that.
4. Common types of medicines for COPD in older adults
Bronchodilators (short-acting and long-acting)
Help open the airways to make breathing easier
Inhaled corticosteroids
Reduce inflammation in the airways
Combination inhalers
Contain more than one type of drug for convenience
Oral medications
Some pills to reduce flare-ups, in certain cases
Antibiotics
For bacterial infections, when needed
Oral steroids
Sometimes used short-term during severe flare-ups
Inhaler Technique Matters!
Correct inhaler technique is very important for your medicine to work properly.
Many people don't get the full benefit of their inhalers because of incorrect technique. It's worth getting checked!
5. Possible side effects older adults may notice
Side effects depend on the specific medication. Things to watch for and report include:
Tip to prevent thrush
Rinse your mouth with water and spit after using inhaled steroids to help prevent thrush (white patches in mouth).
Do not stop on your own
Do not stop or change your inhalers without talking to your provider, especially if you have been using them for a long time.
6. Habits and lifestyle that may help
Many lung and heart guidelines suggest that certain daily habits may help manage COPD along with medical care. What is safe and realistic is different for each person.
Breathing and activity
- Gentle, regular activity (walking, simple exercises) can help maintain strength
- Learning breathing techniques (such as pursed-lip breathing) can help during shortness of breath
- Pulmonary rehabilitation programs (if available) can teach exercises and safe ways to stay active
Pursed-Lip Breathing
This technique can help when you feel short of breath:
- Breathe in slowly through your nose for 2 counts
- Purse your lips like you're going to whistle or blow out a candle
- Breathe out slowly and gently through pursed lips for 4 counts
Ask your provider or respiratory therapist to show you this technique.
Avoiding triggers
Things to avoid or minimize:
Stay up to date on vaccines
Flu and pneumonia vaccines are especially important for people with COPD to help prevent serious infections.
Nutrition and weight
- Some people with COPD lose weight and muscle; others may gain weight due to low activity
- Eating small, frequent meals may help if breathing feels harder after large meals
- A dietitian can help if weight loss or gain is a concern
Always ask first
Ask your health-care provider which activities are safe for you, and whether a pulmonary rehab program is available in your area.
7. When to call your doctor, nurse practitioner, or pharmacist
(Non-urgent)
Contact your health-care provider or pharmacist if:
During your usual activities than before
More often than usual
Colour, amount, or thickness has changed
Not sure if you're using it correctly
Feeling side effects from your medications
8. When to call 911 or go to the emergency department
Call 911 immediately if:
- You are very short of breath and your usual medicines do not help
- You cannot speak in full sentences because of shortness of breath
- Your lips or face look blue or grey
- You feel extremely confused, drowsy, or cannot stay awake
- You have chest pain or pressure that does not go away
If possible, do not drive yourself. Ask someone to call for you or call an ambulance.
Do you have a COPD Action Plan?
An action plan tells you what to do when your symptoms get worse. Ask your provider for a written plan that includes:
- What "green zone" (doing well) looks like
- What "yellow zone" (getting worse) looks like and what to do
- What "red zone" (emergency) looks like and when to call 911
Keep your action plan somewhere easy to find, like on your fridge.
9. Questions to ask your doctor or nurse practitioner
You can print these questions and bring them to your next appointment: