What
occurs with normal aging? |
What
are the results of normal aging? |
What
can I do to help? |
When
do I call? |
| Loss of muscle strength and changes in the structure
of lung tissue and the ribcage results in smaller volumes
of air with each breath. |
Smaller volumes of air reduce the amount of oxygen
that can enter the blood for circulation and the amount
of waste that can be discarded.
Smaller volumes result in a faster rate of breathing.
A reduced amount of oxygen results in an overall lack
of energy. |
Shortness of breath that occurs with activity often
discourages activity. Activity should be encouraged
and maintained.
Activity should initially be interrupted with rest
periods.
|
A noticeable loss
of energy and ability to tolerate activity should be
investigated. An increased rate of breathing should
be reported, particularly if it is accompanied by coughing,
or changes in colouration of the tissues of the lips,
inside of the mouth or the inside of the eyelid. |
Loss of muscle strength
results in a decreased ability to cough. |
Decreased ability to cough with enough
force to clear the windpipes. |
An adequate fluid intake will support
the ability to clear lung debris. |
A
loss of ability to clear the windpipes resulting in
rattly and fast breaths should be immediately reported.
|
