Open AccessPerception and Respiratory Responses of the Upper Airway Mechanism to Added Resistance With Aging
Author(s) -
Murtolahti Siiri,
Crouse Ulla K.,
Pahkala Riitta,
Warren Donald W.,
LaineAlava Maija T.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
laryngoscope investigative otolaryngology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2378-8038
DOI - 10.1002/lio2.123
Subject(s) - airway resistance , medicine , expiration , airway , respiratory tract , respiratory system , anesthesia , diaphragm (acoustics) , breathing , airflow , ventilation (architecture) , respiratory rate , exhalation , cardiology , heart rate , blood pressure , loudspeaker , engineering , mechanical engineering , physics , acoustics
Objectives To assess breathing behaviors and perception of added respiratory loads in young compared to old individuals, and to determine whether aging affects the perception and response to changes in nasal airway resistance. Study design In a clinical study, 40 young (11–20 years) and 40 older (59–82 years) subjects were evaluated during rest breathing and during the application of added airway resistance loads. Methods The pressure‐flow technique was used to measure airflow rate (mL/s) and oral‐nasal pressures (cmH 2 O) to calculate nasal resistance (cmH 2 O/L/s). To create calibrated resistance loads for the test conditions, we used a device modified from a precision iris diaphragm. Results During rest breathing airflow rate was significantly lower for the younger group compared to older group. Using the loading device, 11–20‐year‐olds detected increased resistance at the level of 2.26 cmH 2 O/L/s compared to 4.55 cmH 2 O/L/s in 59–82‐year‐olds. In contrast to the younger group, mean airflow rate was higher during expiration than during inspiration among 59–82‐year‐olds except at rest breathing. Conclusions The data revealed that the perception and respiratory response to increased airway resistance changed with aging. Younger subjects were more sensitive to changes within the airway. In both groups, subjects responded to increased airway resistance by decreasing airflow rate. However, expiratory phase became more active than inspiratory phase only in the older group. Level of Evidence N/A