More than 14 percent of all seniors will be diagnosed with some type of lung ailment, and many of them will require assistance to manage their conditions. As the population continues to age, this number will likely rise. There are many different types of lung diseases older adults may be diagnosed with, and the treatment is different for each one.
Bronchial Asthma
There are several different types of asthma, but the most common one among seniors is bronchial asthma. This is where the airway becomes hyperreactive due to environmental stimuli. This disease is often undiagnosed in aging adults, but it can be easily treated with medications such as steroids.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD is a term doctors use to describe a variety of lung ailments, including chronic bronchitis, refractory (nonreversible) asthma, emphysema, and bronchiectasis. When elderly people have COPD, they often experience tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing. Almost 30 million Americans have this disease, and nearly 50 percent of them haven’t been diagnosed.
If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to BeyondWell Home Care, a senior home care agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services.
Community-Acquired Pneumonia
Community-acquired pneumonia is a bacterial infection that can cause a senior to have shortness of breath, a high fever, and a persistent cough. Getting an annual pneumonia vaccine can prevent this disease, but if your loved one does get this type of pneumonia, it can often be treated with antibiotics.
There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional homecare. Roseville families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place.
Pulmonary Embolism
An aging adult who is having intense chest pain and shortness of breath may be experiencing a pulmonary embolism. The reason for the pain is a blood clot in the lungs. These blood clots often start out in the legs before traveling upward and becoming lodged in the lungs.
Sleep-Disordered Breathing
Sleep apnea often accompanies sleep-disordered breathing, although this condition covers a whole spectrum of diseases. There are two types of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea happens when an older adult’s airway closes but he or she continues trying to breathe. Central sleep apnea often occurs after the brain is affected by a medical event. Aging adults can encounter a combination of both types of sleep apnea.
Many seniors with sleep-disordered breathing benefit from allergy treatments, while others may need the assistance of devices (such as CPAP machines) while they sleep. Caregivers need to consult their loved ones’ doctors to verify the best course of treatment.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer, one of the most common types of cancer in America, often starts with no symptoms, so it’s typically well-developed before it’s diagnosed. Almost 80 percent of all individuals who have lung cancer are diagnosed after the age of 65, and the disease kills almost 158,000 people in America each year. Some doctors may be reluctant to start treatment in older adults, but when lung cancer is caught early, chemotherapy, radiation treatments, and surgery are often highly successful.
Living with serious health conditions can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Roseville seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more. BeyondWell Home Care can be your trusted partner in caregiving for your aging loved one. Contact one of our experienced Care Managers today at (916) 485-4663 to learn more about our reliable in-home care services.