Infiltrative and interstitial lung disease in the elderly patient.
The interstitial lung diseases encompass a wide array of inflammatory and fibrotic processes that produce a significant amount of morbidity in the elderly. Diagnosis usually requires a systematic approach and often requires lung biopsy. Treatment typically involves the use of immunosuppressive dosages of corticosteroids or cytotoxic agents. The use of these medications in the elderly demands meticulous, close follow-up because side-effects can be substantial.
Wade
J F
JF
Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver.
King
T E
TE
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001706:Biopsy; D001992:Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D005080:Exercise Test; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008168:Lung / Q000473:pathology; D017563:Lung Diseases, Interstitial / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents