Pulmonary Disease in the Older Adult: A Review of Interstitial Lung Disease.

Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are a group of diverse conditions of critical importance to the care of the older adult that can cause pulmonary fibrosis, respiratory failure, and death. Aging and geriatric principles are key factors in the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and management of ILD. Effective management of ILD for the older adult includes prompt diagnosis and referral for treatment, including pharmacotherapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, and symptom palliation. It is key to recognize and address age-related geriatric syndromes in order to deliver age-friendly ILD care. Important gaps remain in how best to tailor and deliver care for older adults with ILD.

Duke Scholars

Author Robert Matthew Tighe Medicine, Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine

Author Kenneth Edwin Schmader Medicine, Geriatrics and Palliative Care

Author Daniel Guidot Medicine, Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine