Elder Care Tips: Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Asthma

Elder Care in Palm City FL

Breathing is something that you likely take for granted. You do it without even thinking about it, even while you are sleeping. For 8 percent of the population, however, breathing is not such a simple prospect. These more than 25 million people, including children all the way up through elderly adults, have asthma. In this condition the airways produce extra mucus. This can cause them to swell and become narrower, making it difficult for them to breathe properly. Though it is just an inconvenience for many people, for others who suffer from asthma this condition can make a truly serious, and even life-threatening, impact on their lives. May is Asthma Awareness Month. This month-long health observance is an ideal opportunity for you to set aside time in your elder care routine to learn more about asthma. This can help you to detect potentially problematic symptoms so that you can get your aging parent the medical attention that they need. Though asthma can appear slightly differently from person to person, there are some signs and symptoms that are relatively consistent. Some of the most common signs and symptoms include:

• Chest tightness or pain that is not associated with another condition or incident
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• A whistling sound when breathing out
• Difficulty sleeping caused by inability to breathe deeply enough or comfortably
• Wheezing attacks or coughing that become distinctly worse during times of infection such as with the flu or a cold

The signs and symptoms of asthma can seem to come out of nowhere or be something that happen nearly every day. For most sufferers, however, there are triggers that cause the symptoms to flare, or worsen. Some of the most common triggers for asthma symptoms include:

• Exertion such as exercise
• Exertion during cold temperatures
• Exertion in dry air
• Exposure to chemical fumes
• Exposure to dust
• Exposure to gasses
• Allergens such as pollen, dust, cockroaches, or pet dander

It is important to note that asthma is not something that can be cured. Instead, your elderly loved one must learn to manage the symptoms. It is important that your parent, as well as you and their elderly health care services provider, know when the symptoms are severe enough to necessitate emergency medical treatment. These include:

• Shortness of breath that occurs when your parent is not exerting themselves or when the exertion is only minimal, such as walking down the hallway or putting groceries away
• Not experiencing relief from serious symptoms even after using prescribed quick-relief medications or treatments
• Wheezing or shortness of breath that comes on very quickly and worsens rapidly

If your parent is experiencing the symptoms of asthma, or has already received a diagnosis of asthma but is experiencing worsened symptoms, get in touch with their doctor as soon as possible. Many people need to change their control methods over time to keep on top of the management of their condition. It is important that you offer your parent support and encouragement so that they will follow through with the guidelines of their doctor. This will help them to live the healthiest lifestyle possible. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/basics/complications/con-20026992 http://www.webmd.com/asthma/guide/asthma-symptoms http://www.aaaai.org/about-aaaai/newsroom/asthma-statistics http://www.aafa.org/page/asthma-and-allergy-awareness-month.aspx
If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Palm City, FL, contact the caring staff at BrightStar Care of Jupiter. Call today (561) 741-1200.