The Respiratory System Aging Process

As we age, our bodies begin to slow down. This can be seen in muscle mass decreasing, skin loosing it elasticity and even be seen in the respiratory system aging process.

How Does The Respiratory System Aging Process Work

To understand how the respiratory system aging process works, the first step is to learn how the the respiratory system functions normally. In the normal process of breathing there are several systems involved. These include the muscles of the chest, ribs, spine, breastbone, diaphragm and the elastic fibers of the lung. These all work together to bring air in, uses it throughout the body and then expel the used air that is now carbon dioxide.

This complex system is affected by smoking, diseases and the respiratory system aging. Some things people can avoid to maintain a healthy respiratory system, others including ageing are a natural progression of life.

As the respiratory system begins aging, certain changes occur. The lung itself begins to loose its elasticity. This in effect causes it to become less efficient in the processing of oxygen. The results of the respiratory system aging, are a decrease in the volume of carbon dioxide that can be expelled, this is in direct proportion to the amount of air that is taken in. As a result, the respiratory system aging process affects all organs and tissue in the body. As our bodies need oxygen, the less it is receiving the harder it is for the bodies systems to function at peak capacity.

As the respiratory system aging process continues, embolisms in the lungs can develop. These occur as the lungs are operating in a sub standard way, blood vessels become clogged because blood flow is restricted. With embolisms, these can cause more blockages, less blood being processed throughout the body and to the brain. This can have a huge impact on the brain and its ability to function properly.

Diseases that occur more frequently when the respiratory system aging process is continuing are Pneumonia, Chronic Bronchitis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and even Asthma. All of these illnesses occur as the respiratory system aging process advances. As the system is having a more difficult time bringing in the proper amount of oxygen for the body, systems throughout the body are impacted. These common illnesses can be fatal in a person with a compromised respiratory system.

Maintaining the respiratory system involves a healthy lifestyle that includes a good diet, exercise and plenty of rest.

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