Which of the following changes in the respiratory system commonly occur in response to aging?

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The effects of aging on the respiratory system are similar to those that occur in other organs: maximum function gradually declines. Age-related changes in the lungs include

• Decreases in peak airflow (how quickly someone can exhale) and exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen Exchanging Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide The primary function of the respiratory system is to take in oxygen and eliminate carbon dioxide. Inhaled oxygen enters the lungs and reaches the alveoli. The layers of cells lining the alveoli... read more

• Decreases in measures of lung function Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) Pulmonary function tests measure the lungs' capacity to hold air, to move air in and out, and to absorb oxygen. Pulmonary function tests are better at detecting the general type and severity... read more

  such as vital capacity (the maximum amount of air that can be breathed out following a maximum inhalation)

• Weakening of the respiratory muscles Respiratory muscles Breathing is usually automatic, controlled subconsciously by the respiratory center at the base of the brain. Breathing continues during sleep and usually even when a person is unconscious.... read more

• Decline in the effectiveness of lung defense mechanisms Defense Mechanisms of the Respiratory System The average person who is moderately active during the daytime breathes about 20,000 liters (more than 5,000 gallons) of air every 24 hours. Inevitably, this air (which would weigh more than... read more

(See also Overview of the Respiratory System Overview of the Respiratory System To sustain life, the body must produce sufficient energy. Energy is produced by burning molecules in food, which is done by the process of oxidation (whereby food molecules are combined with... read more .)

In healthy people, these age-related changes seldom lead to symptoms. These changes contribute somewhat to an older person's reduced ability to do vigorous exercise, especially intense aerobic exercise, such as running, biking, and mountain climbing. However, age-related decreases in heart function may be a more important cause of such limitations.

Older people are at higher risk of developing pneumonia Overview of Pneumonia Pneumonia is an infection of the small air sacs of the lungs (alveoli) and the tissues around them. Pneumonia is one of the most common causes of death worldwide. Often, pneumonia is the final... read more

Importantly, age-related changes in the lungs are compounded by the effects of heart and lung diseases, especially those caused by the destructive effects of smoking.

Did You Know?

• In healthy people, age-related reductions in lung function seldom lead to symptoms, but they can contribute to an older person's reduced ability to do vigorous exercise.

  What changes occur in the respiratory system with age?

  Effects of Aging on the Respiratory System.

  Decreases in peak airflow (how quickly someone can exhale) and exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen. ... .

  Decreases in measures of lung function. ... .

  Weakening of the respiratory muscles. ... .

  Decline in the effectiveness of lung defense mechanisms..

  Which of the following changes in the respiratory system commonly occur in response to aging quizlet?

  Which is an age-related change in the respiratory system? Age-related changes associated with the respiratory system include decreased gas exchange and diffusing capacity. Age-related changes associated with the cardiovascular system include increased blood pressure and decreased cardiac output.

  What are 3 common changes in the respiratory system when concerning the elderly?

  As a result of these changes, older people are at increased risk for: Lung infections, such as pneumonia and bronchitis. Shortness of breath. Low oxygen level.

  Which of the following respiratory changes is part of normal aging?

  But numerous functional changes are also normal to the aging respiratory system. Older people typically experience decreases in oxygen diffusion capacity, expiratory flow rate, exercise capacity, antibody response to antigens, and protection against aspiration and foreign particles.