Introduction: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) significantly predisposes the elderly to pneumonia, presenting a complex interplay of pulmonary dysfunction and infection risk.
Areas covered: This article reviews the substantial epidemiologic impact, elucidates the interlinked pathophysiology of COPD and pneumonia, and examines the microbial landscape shaping infection in these patients. It also evaluates management protocols and the multifaceted clinical challenges encountered during treatment.
Expert opinion: Delving into the latest research, we underscore the criticality of preventive measures such as vaccination and present an integrated approach to managing Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) in the COPD demographic. The review also proposes strategic directions for future investigations aimed at enhancing patient outcomes through a deeper understanding of the COPD-pneumonia nexus.
Keywords: COPD; Pneumonia; aged; antibacterial agents; elderly; frailty; microbiology.