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. 2022 Nov;55(7):603-612.
doi: 10.1007/s00391-022-02070-2. Epub 2022 Sep 15.

[Lung function test in advanced age]

[Article in German]
Helmut Frohnhofen  1   2 , Jeanina Schlitzer  3 , Sven Stieglitz  4 ; im Namen der AG Pneumologische Altersmedizin der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Pneumologie und der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Geriatrie (DGG)
Affiliations

[Lung function test in advanced age]

[Article in German]
Helmut Frohnhofen et al. Z Gerontol Geriatr. 2022 Nov.

Abstract
in English, German

Advanced age is not an obstacle to carring out a lung function test. In most cases a lung function test is necessary due to the fact that about 20% of older persons are affected by an obstructive respiratory disorder. Standard values for the lung function test are available up to advanced ages. The experience of the examiner and a calm environment for the lung function test have an impact on the quality of the measurement results. Severe cognitive impairments and severe immobility make the performance of a lung function test impossible. Simple geriatric assessments can help to reliably identify these patients. Alternative lung function test procedures have to be validated in order to adequately diagnose this vulnerable subgroup of patients at risk.

Höheres Lebensalter ist kein Argument gegen die Durchführung einer Lungenfunktionsprüfung. Die Notwendigkeit einer Lungenfunktionsprüfung ergibt sich allein aufgrund der mit über 20 % hohen Prävalenz einer obstruktiven Ventilationsstörung bei älteren Menschen. Normwerte für die Lungenfunktionsprüfung sind bis ins hohe Lebensalter verfügbar. Erfahrung des Untersuchers und eine ruhige Umgebung beeinflussen das Messergebnis. Ausgeprägte Hirnleistungsstörungen und schwere Immobilität machen eine Lungenfunktionsprüfung unmöglich. Einfache Assessments helfen, diese Patienten verlässlich zu identifizieren. Um diese gefährdete und vulnerable Subgruppe adäquat behandeln zu können, müssen alternative Untersuchungsverfahren entwickelt und validiert werden.

Keywords: Forced expiratory volume; Forced vital capacity; Geriatric assessment; Quality of examination; Spirometry.

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