The Aging Lung: Understanding Changes and Challenges

Our lungs have two primary jobs: to get oxygen and air into the body and to remove carbon dioxide, a waste gas that the body produces when it uses oxygen, out of the body. According to the National Institutes of Health, the natural aging process can make these jobs more difficult.1

Because the body works as a system, many of the age-related changes that impact lung function actually originate in other parts of the body. The following is an overview of physiological changes that occur as we age and explanations of how these changes affect the lungs.1

Bones

As we age, our bones become thinner and change shape. When the ribcage changes shape, it can become less able to expand and contract during breathing.

Muscles

The diaphragm, the muscle that supports breathing, can become weaker as we age, making it more difficult to inhale and exhale.

The nervous system

Older people might experience some loss of function in the part of the brain that controls breathing. As a result, it becomes more difficult to both get oxygen into the lungs and expel carbon dioxide. Additionally, the nerves in the airway that trigger coughing are not as sensitive to particles such as smoke and germs. This can lead to large, difficult-to-expel amounts of particles collecting in the lungs.

The immune system

The immune system naturally becomes weaker as we age. Because of this, it is more difficult for the lungs to fight off infections and other diseases. The lungs also have a more difficult time recovering from exposure to harmful particles.

All of these changes can lead to complications such as lung infections, shortness of breath, low oxygen levels and abnormal sleeping patterns.

Understanding these changes and knowing which products can help support aging lungs are critical to helping your residents continue to lead comfortable, fulfilling lives. Your Professional Medical territory manager is ready to tell you more about our comprehensive Respiratory Care Management product category. To connect with us, contact your ProMed territory manager, give us a call at (800) 648-5190 or visit us online at promedsupply.com.

Reference
1 MedlinePlus. Aging changes in the lungs. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/004011.htm. Accessed August 6, 2014.