Caring for a Loved one with COPD

Senior Care in Parkers Prairie MN: Caring for a Loved one with COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease actually refers to two diseases that may be present individually or simultaneously. These are chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Chronic bronchitis is evident when the lung’s bronchial tubes become inflamed and produce mucus. This in turn leads to coughing and difficulty breathing. Emphysema is due to the enlargement of the tiny air sacs or alveoli in the lungs, making it increasingly difficult to breathe. Approximately 4 million Americans over the age of 64 have been diagnosed with COPD.

Cause

Inhaled cigarette smoke is the predominant cause of the condition. Working or living in an environment that contains noxious dusts or chemicals has also been shown to produce COPD. It is often underdiagnosed in the elderly due to many factors. These include the fact that increasing difficulty with breathing can be seen as a natural part of aging, confusion due to additional diseases that may be present, and the effects of medication. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, a chronic cough, and the production of mucus. Although it is progressive, the earlier the diagnosis the better in order to prevent irreversible lung damage.

Treatment

According to an article in Today’s Geriatric Medicine, previous treatment standards were based on the level of severity or stage of the disease. Today’s recommendations are that any drug recommendations should be patient-specific. Doctors also often recommend inhaled bronchodilators over oral bronchodilators. Because elderly patients may have physical impairments, it is important that they are trained in the correct use of inhalers and provided help if there is an obvious inability to perform correctly. In addition to medication, pulmonary rehabilitation also seems to be beneficial.

Care

Shortness of breath and severe fatigue due to lack of oxygen can cause those that suffer from COPD to have difficulty performing the everyday tasks of living. Though your loved one may not feel like exercising, it’s important that they schedule it into their daily life. These exercises include aerobic, strength training, stretching and special breathing exercises. Some of these special breathing exercises include diaphragmatic and pursed-lip breathing for COPD. A COPD rehabilitation specialist can help make recommendations.

A Senior Care Provider

If your loved one is having difficulty performing the everyday tasks of living, consider obtaining the services of a senior care provider. These professionals assist with bathing, dressing, light housekeeping and meal preparation. They run errands including grocery shopping and provide transportation to appointments and classes. They provide the companionship so important to those suffering from chronic diseases such as COPD.

Resources
http://www.todaysgeriatricmedicine.com/archive/031912p8.shtml
https://newoldage.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/10/13/treating-c-o-p-d-in-the-elderly/?_r=0
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20965401

If you or an aging loved-one are considering in-home senior care in Parkers Prairie, MN, please contact the caring staff at Alternative Senior Care today. Providing Home Care in Central Minnesota and Surrounding Communities. Call us Today (320) 352-3350.