Respiratory pathology prevention

| Over the years, changes appear in the structure of the respiratory system that cause a decrease in respiratory capacity.

Over the years, changes appear in the structure and functionality of the respiratory system, which cause a decrease in respiratory capacity, so that the respiratory function of the elderly, even without being pathological, is different from that of the young. The volume of air mobilized is lower and the gas exchange is less efficient; This leads to less resistance and ability to adapt to exercise and a lower functional reserve to recover after exercise. On the other hand, older people are more prone to both bacterial and viral infections.

In addition to age, there are other risk factors for the development and worsening of respiratory diseases. The most obvious are:

• Exposure to tobacco (active or passive).
• Recurrent respiratory infections, especially of the lower airways.
• Exposure to air pollutants (pollution, asbestos, acids or other toxins, etc.).

Avoiding these factors will help prevent respiratory problems and this should start at an early age. However, the cessation of tobacco and the prevention of respiratory infections at an older age also have their beneficial effect.

In order to prevent acute and chronic respiratory disorders, the elderly should be encouraged to:

• Exercise regularly, thus maintaining your general fitness and muscle tone.
• Spread your activities throughout the day.
• Rest after each activity.
• Avoid rushing by planning daily activities.
• Avoid tobacco.
• Drink adequate volumes of fluids; 1.5 to 2 liters of fluids per day are recommended.
• Do breathing exercises: breathe deeply, making the effort to expel all the air from the lungs several times a day; blowing a bottle to make it sound, for example.
• Get a flu shot every year.
• Avoid abrupt changes in temperature.
• Maintain proper hygiene (hands, environment, properly dispose of respiratory secretions, etc.).
• Avoid contact with people who have respiratory tract infections. If it cannot be avoided, the room where the patient is must be ventilated.

In any case, before the appearance of a choking sensation or a persistent cough, a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible.