Doctor Pham Thi My Hanh, from the Department of General Internal Medicine at Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, states that after age 50, certain respiratory diseases can develop silently, particularly in smokers or those regularly exposed to dust, smoke, and chemicals. Therefore, individuals in this group need to monitor for unusual symptoms and seek medical checks when indicated. Common respiratory issues include declining lung function, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sleep apnea, and lung cancer.

Assessing lung function

Individuals over 50 with a history of smoking, long-term smoking, or regular exposure to occupational dust, smoke, or chemicals should have their lung function assessed. Persistent cough, phlegm production, wheezing, or shortness of breath during activity should not be dismissed as normal signs of aging.

Depending on symptoms and risk factors, doctors may order spirometry to check ventilatory function. Some cases require a chest X-ray or CT scan to identify the cause of respiratory symptoms.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often progresses over a long period. Patients might only notice a cough, phlegm, or breathlessness during activity, leading them to overlook the condition. As the disease advances, patients may experience difficulty breathing even during light activities.

According to Doctor Hanh, individuals over 50 with a smoking history and persistent respiratory symptoms should have their COPD risk assessed by a doctor. Spirometry is commonly used to aid in diagnosis.

Sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the upper airway narrows or becomes blocked intermittently during sleep. Affected individuals often snore loudly, have breathing pauses noticed by others, or wake up gasping for air. During the day, they may experience drowsiness, fatigue, or difficulty concentrating.

Overweight or obese individuals, those with a large neck circumference, or those with hypertension face a higher risk. If suspicious signs appear, doctors may recommend home sleep monitoring or specific tests to diagnose the condition.

Lung cancer

Older age and a history of smoking increase the risk of lung cancer. The disease may not cause clear symptoms in its early stages.

According to Doctor Hanh, some high-risk individuals should consider lung cancer screening even without abnormal symptoms. However, lung cancer screening is not recommended for all individuals over 50. Doctors typically consider age, years of smoking, smoking intensity, and whether the person has quit smoking to determine if they qualify for low-dose CT screening.

Individuals aged 50 to 80 with a smoking history of 20 pack-years or more, who are currently smoking or have quit within 15 years, may be recommended for annual low-dose chest CT scans.

Doctor Hanh consults a patient during a routine general health check-up. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Additionally, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes can progress for years unnoticed. Doctors may consider liver and kidney function tests during health check-ups. Blood and urine tests also help detect abnormalities before clear symptoms appear.

When seeking medical attention, individuals over 50 should provide a complete medical history, current medications, smoking and alcohol use history, family medical history, and any symptoms, even mild ones. This information assists doctors in assessing risks and selecting appropriate tests.

Doctors advise against waiting for symptoms to appear before seeking medical care. Individuals over 50 with a persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, unintentional weight loss, changes in bowel or bladder habits, prolonged fatigue, or the appearance of an unusual lump all require early evaluation.

Nhat Thanh