Question

DIscuss age-related changes that affect respiration. What do these changes mean for the health and well-being of older patients?

Answer 1

The lungs are the organ which develop till the birth of the baby .It is married at the age of around 25 years. After this the function of the lungs decreases depending upon variable factors.

Some of the age related changes in the respiratory system which can affect the respiration are

• Decrease in muscularity,elasticity can alter the oxygen exchange .It decreases the vital capacity of the lungs and increase lung volumes ,FeV1 capacity .This can make them prone for hypoxia .The cough reflex is decreased
• The alveolar structure that is its elasticity to recoil decreases altering the gas exchange causing emphysema .Parenchyma are affected leading to lung failure
• The size of thoracic cavity decreases
• The immunoglobulin A is decreased in nasal cavity making them highly prone for viral infection.
• The sensitivity to oxygen and the carbon dioxide are altered due to loss of chemo receptors on the lungs