With the expansion of the elderly population, a thorough understanding of “normal” aging-related changes on the respiratory system is paramount. The respiratory system undergoes various anatomical, physiological and immunological changes with age. The structural changes include chest wall and thoracic spine deformities which impairs the total respiratory system compliance leading to increased work of breathing. The lung parenchyma loses its supporting structure causing dilation of air spaces. Older adults have decreased sensation of dyspnea and diminished ventilatory response to hypoxia and hypercapnia, making them more vulnerable to ventilatory failure during high demand states (ie, heart failure, pneumonia, etc) and possible poor outcomes. A thorough understanding of Internal Medicine will help you understand this topic better.
The Fellowship in Internal Medicine course by Medvarsity allows students to apply the principles of evidence-based medicine in making diagnostic and management decisions. Doctors in internal medicine are trained to manage patients presenting with a wide range of acute and long-term medical conditions and symptoms across various systems.