The Respiratory
System Ageing 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 ageing process.
How Does The Respiratory System Ageing
Process Work
To understand how the respiratory system ageing 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 ageing. 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 ageing,
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 ageing, 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 ageing 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 ageing 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 Ageing process is continuing are Pneumonia, Chronic
Bronchitis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and even Asthma. All
of these illnesses occur as the respiratory system Ageing 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.
|
