Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in older people

The Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is common in older people residing in rural India both in Men and Women. The Environmental and Domestic pollution apart from smoking tobacco has led to increased incidence of COPD. The World Health Organisation reports that the COPD is fourth leading cause of death worldwide. The misuse of steroids is very common in older people with COPD which leads to osteoporosis and bone fractures. Each exacerbation proves to be a costly affair for the family and it leads to decreased quality of life among the older people. The non- pharmacological measures like pulmonary rehabilitation, palliative care and end of life care are of paramount importance in older people and should be initiated in initial stages itself. Immunization against influenza and pneumococci prevents exacerbations and need to be practiced by all clinicians.