What happens to the respiratory system during aging?
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Authors Gulshan Sharma, James Goodwin Show
Published 15 September 2006 Volume 2006:1(3) Pages 253—260 Gulshan Sharma1, James Goodwin2 1Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, Immunology, Critical Care, and Sleep (APICS), Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; 2Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of Texas
Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA Abstract: With the looming expansion of the elderly population of the US, a thorough understanding of “normal” aging-related changes on the respiratory system is paramount. The respiratory system undergoes various anatomical, physiological and immunological changes with age. The structural changes include chest wall and thoracic spine deformities which impairs the total respiratory system compliance leading to increase work of
breathing. The lung parenchyma loses its supporting structure causing dilation of air spaces: “senile emphysema”. Respiratory muscle strength decreases with age and can impair effective cough, which is important for airway clearance. The lung matures by age 20–25 years, and thereafter aging is associated with progressive decline in lung function. The alveolar dead space increases with age, affecting arterial oxygen without impairing the carbon dioxide elimination. The airways receptors undergo
functional changes with age and are less likely to respond to drugs used in younger counterparts to treat the same disorders. Older adults have decreased sensation of dyspnea and diminished ventilatory response to hypoxia and hypercapnia, making them more vulnerable to ventilatory failure during high demand states (ie, heart failure, pneumonia, etc) and possible poor outcomes. Keywords: older adults, lung function, immunology, respiratory mechanics 27 February, 2017 By NT Contributor The normal ageing process brings about changes to the respiratory system which mean older people are at increased risk of respiratory tract infections. What exactly happens and why?
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Advanced Search May-June 2004 - Volume 2 - Issue 3
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Institutional UsersAccess through Ovid® Not a Subscriber?Buy Subscribe Request Permissions You can read the full text of this article if you: Log In Access through Ovid Departments: Ask an Expert Nursing Made Incredibly Easy!: May 2004 - Volume 2 - Issue 3 - p 64  Related ArticlesWhat are 2 respiratory issues with aging?With aging there is a decreased ability to clear mucus from the lungs. Two mechanisms primarily contribute to this decline: 1) reduced cough strength and 2) alterations in the body's ability to clear particles in the airways.
What happens to respiratory rate as you age?Breathing rate usually does not change with age. But lung function decreases slightly each year as you age. Healthy older people can usually breathe without effort. Older people may become dizzy when standing up too quickly.
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