The cough reflex may not trigger as readily, and the cough may be less forceful. The hairlike projections that line the airway (cilia) are less able to move mucus up and out of the airway. In addition, the nose and breathing passages secrete less of a substance called IgA (an antibody that protects against viruses). Thus, the elderly are more susceptible to pneumonia and other types of lung infections.

Common lung problems in the elderly include chronically low oxygen levels (which reduces tolerance to illness), decreased ability to exercise, abnormal breathing patterns including sleep apnea (episodes of stopped breathing during sleep), increased risk of lung infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis, and diseases caused by tobacco damage (such as emphysema or lung cancer).

PREVENTION

Avoiding smoking is the most important way to minimize the effect of aging on the lungs. Exercise and good overall fitness improve breathing capacity. Exercise tolerance can be affected by changes in the heart, blood vessels, muscles, and skeleton, as well as in the lungs. However, studies have shown that exercise and training can improve the reserve capacity of the lungs, even in elderly people.

Second, more than any other group the elderly need to be aware of the need to be up and about and should consciously try to increase deep breathing during illness or after surgery.

Continued use of the voice helps maintain overall vocal performance.

RELATED TOPICS

• Aging changes in organs, tissues, and cells
• Aging changes in the bones, muscles, and joints
• Aging changes in the heart and blood vessels
• Aging changes in vital signs

Images

Breathing

Respiratory cilia

Changes in lung tissue with age

Gas exchange

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Review Date: 11/29/2010
Reviewed By: Andrew Schriber, MD, FCCP, Specialist in Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Virtua Memorial Hospital, Mount Holly, New Jersey. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)