title: Clinical implications of respiratory system changes in aging.
abstract: Nurses must consider the many age-related respiratory system changes when assessing and managing respiratory-related symptoms of older individuals. This article reviews upper and lower respiratory tract changes and provides tips for clinical management of the older person. Pertinent respiratory symptom assessment scales are described. Smoking cessation and other health promotion counseling is discussed.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, 451 CON/HSLC, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536-0232, USA.
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Sheahan
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Musialowski
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D005851:Geriatric Nursing; D006801:Humans; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012120:Respiration Disorders / Q000451:nursing; D015656:Respiratory Mechanics; D012143:Respiratory Physiological Phenomena; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D012138:Respiratory Therapy / Q000451:nursing