How are the tissues of respiratory systems compromised with age?

Answer 1

Aging in and of itself does not necessarily lead to respiratory diseases.

Lifestyle and health factors throughout life either benefit or reduce respiratory function early OR later in life.

Some factors that influence respiratory health include:

• Genenetics; hereditary factors
• Overall fitness
• Exercise habits
• Smoking, of any kind
• Risk for respiratory flu, pneumonia, bronchititis
• History of previous lung infection, bacterial or viral
• Exposure to communicable diseases like Tuberculosis
• Exposure to chemicals, products, or lung irritating agents (example: chemical plant worker; perfume product tester; diesel truck driver; coal dust - coal miners)
• Post-surgery complication

If a person has personal risk factors, but also a genetic factor, or environmental factor, their risk of developing a lung condition later in life increases.

Elderly often have another precipitating factor, such as a fall and hip fracture, that leads to pneumonia because the person is bedridden for many weeks, is reluctant to turn, and tries to not cough because coughing aggravates pain.

If an elderly person already has a chronic lung condition like Asthma, emphysemia, chronic bronchitis, history of pneumonias, and they fall and break a hip, the risk for respiratory complications increases dramatically.

Answer 2

With age, the elasticity of the lung tissue decreases, leading to a decrease in lung function and efficiency. The tissues become stiffer and less able to expand and contract fully, resulting in reduced oxygen exchange. Additionally, the respiratory muscles may weaken, affecting the ability to take deep breaths.