Epidemiology of Lung Disease in Older Persons

Abstract

Older persons frequently report respiratory risk factors and symptoms and have a high prevalence of symptomatic lung disease, most commonly obstructive airway disease, interstitial lung disease, and lung cancer. Notably, coexisting nonrespiratory risk factors are also prevalent and may misidentify or modify respiratory diagnoses and their clinical course.

Keywords: Interstitial lung disease; Lung cancer; Obstructive airway disease.