Airflow obstruction is common in older persons but frequently under-diagnosed. The term refers to a spectrum of chronic respiratory disorders characterized by cough, dyspnoea, mucus hypersecretion, wheeze and impaired pulmonary function tests. Patients may be diagnosed as having late-onset asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, emphysema or fixed airflow obstruction of the elderly.