As one gets older does ones lung capacity decrease? If it does will exercise correct this situation?

Reply --------------------------

Yes, lung capacity gradually declines with age. Smoking cigarettes dramatically accelerates this process.

Exercise may slow it somewhat, especially aerobic exercise like swimming or walking. (I must admit this statement about exercise is based on my intuition, not on my reading of medical literature. The smoking statement is based on research.) Aerobic exercise will definitely increase endurance and the efficiency of utilizing oxygen by the body, so that shortness of breath with advanced age in very fit individuals is less of a problem.

Here is my general health message:
To improve your health, please

• don't smoking cigarettes;
• don't use marijuana or cocaine and especially don't use iv drugs;
• drink no more than one beer, one glass of wine, or one shot of hard liquor in a day;
• have sex with only one person who has sex only with you;
• don't eat fried food (like hamburgers) or other high fat foods.

P. H. MD
Family Physician
Correspondent for General Medical Clinic
Organization For Community Networks

NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.

Click here to review previous General Medicine Clinic consultations

Consult with the Doctor