Which Respiratory Health Issues are Common in the Elderly?

In-Home Care in Spotswood NJ

There are some health conditions that are quite common in the elderly. As a family caregiver, learning about these issues can help you to better provide or get care for your elderly loved one. One set of health problems that you may want to learn more about are regarding your elderly loved one’s respiratory health.

COPD

One of the common respiratory health issues in the elderly is COPD. This is a lung disorder and it causes difficulty breathing. Two of the main types of COPD are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. In a lot of the COPD cases, cigarette smoking was the primary cause of this condition. If your elderly loved one is currently a smoker, it would be a good idea to help them to stop smoking as soon as possible. You or an in-home care provider can even take your elderly loved one to their doctor to get nicotine cessation products. These can help them to quit a bit easier.

Pneumonia

Your elderly loved one could get pneumonia, as well. This condition is more common in the elderly than in other age populations. When this condition occurs, it attacks the lungs. The infection can spread quickly. Some symptoms that you might notice include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Chills
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Breathing issues

If you or an in-home care provider suspects your elderly loved one has pneumonia, you should make sure they get medical attention right away.

Bronchial Asthma

Another common respiratory health condition in the elderly is bronchial asthma. This is an inflammatory condition that causes difficulty breathing. Sometimes it can cause the following symptoms, as well:

• Shortness of breath
• Tightness in the chest
• Coughing

The attacks with this condition can last hours or days. If your elderly loved one has a bronchial asthma attack, it could become severe quickly. It is important that you or an in-home care provider get them the medical attention they need right away.

Conclusion

There are many respiratory health conditions that are common in the elderly. Now that you know about some of them, you can be more prepared to help your elderly loved one if they do get these conditions.

It is important to keep in mind that many of these conditions can turn severe very quickly. This is why it is crucial that you or an in-home care provider get your elderly loved one the medical attention they need right away.

Sources
https://medlineplus.gov/pneumonia.html
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/minority-health-and-health-equity-resources/asthma

If you or an aging loved one is considering in-home care in Spotswood, NJ, please contact the caring staff at Care Street Home Care today. Call (732) 607-8870.

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Care Street Home Care Staff

Care Street Home Health Care LLC is a division of Ocean Healthcare, a network of New Jersey-based healthcare centers and services founded in 1973 by Melvin and Debbie Feigenbaum. Melvin and Debbie both came from warm, close-knit backgrounds that emphasize the centrality of family. The values of respect, responsibility, and dignity run deep in the Feigenbaum family; they share a strong sensitivity to the importance of caring for others, particularly the elderly and disabled.

The Care Street mission is straightforward and compelling: to provide a comprehensive range of the highest quality home health services in a professional and efficient manner that will enhance our clients' quality of life and empower families to keep their loved one at home.

Care Street has earned a reputation of excellence among hundreds of families, and is recommended by medical professionals and hospital discharge planners throughout the State.

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