The lungs are an important organ for the respiratory system. They are responsible for taking in oxygen from the air to the body to produce energy and removing carbon dioxide to filter waste, allowing the body to live and function normally. However, as we age, changes in age will have both direct and indirect effects on the lungs, whether they are physical changes or internal body systems, causing the lungs to not function properly. Therefore, as we age, we must pay more attention to our lungs.
The lungs have two main functions.
- It is responsible for taking oxygen from the air into the body. Your body needs oxygen to use in various processes within the body.
- It functions to expel carbon dioxide, which is a waste product produced by the body after it has used oxygen in various processes.
During breathing, ทางเข้า ufabet, air moves in and out of the lungs. When you inhale, air flows through the airways into the lungs or airways, which are the elastic bands of respiratory muscles. The process is divided into two parts: the inspiratory muscles and the expiratory muscles.
Air continues to flow into the lungs until the tiny alveoli are full. Blood circulates around these alveoli through tiny blood vessels. Oxygen enters the bloodstream where the blood vessels and alveoli meet. This is also where carbon dioxide crosses from the bloodstream into the lungs for exhalation (the process of expelling carbon dioxide, a waste product from the body’s energy-producing processes).
Organ changes affecting the lungs
- Bone changes: As we age, the bones become thinner and the shape of the ribs may change. This makes it difficult for the ribs to expand and contract as easily during breathing. The muscles that support breathing, the diaphragm, also weaken. This change makes it difficult to breathe in or out as easily.
- Changes in Lung Tissue The muscles and other tissues near the airways may lose their ability to fully open the airways, making it easier for the airways to close. Aging also causes the air sacs to deform or change in lung tissue, which can cause too little oxygen to be taken in and less carbon dioxide to be removed, making it difficult to breathe.
Immune system changes: The immune system weakens and the body is unable to fight off lung infections and other infectious diseases. The lungs recover more slowly after exposure to airborne contaminants that pose health risks.
Prevention to reduce the effects of lung degeneration:
- Quit smoking because cigarettes are harmful to the lungs and cause lung deterioration faster. Also, avoid sources of cigarette smoke.
- Exercise regularly to increase lung function. During periods of air pollution such as PM 2.5 dust or smoke from combustion, exercise should be done indoors or outdoors.
- Always wear a mask and choose one that is effective in protecting against small dust particles.
- Observe any unusual symptoms that occur in yourself or your family members. Help each other observe to assess the health of the elderly in the family. If you are not sure, you should get a health check to assess the risk of disease.
- Annual health check-up to assess disease risk
Having healthy lungs in the elderly is related to taking care of overall health, such as mental health, being optimistic, not stressed or anxious, and receiving love and care from family members. These are ways to help improve the health of the elderly.