Elder Care in Laguna Beach CA
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, or COPD, is a respiratory condition that is very common among older adults. However, elders with this condition are at risk for a wide range of health complications, such as pulmonary embolism, heart failure, anxiety, and respiratory failure.
As dangerous as COPD is by itself, it can cause even more problems for seniors who are suffering from other chronic conditions. With the help of an elder care provider or family members, your loved one will be able to manage their conditions before it begins to take a toll on their health. If the elder is suffering from any of these conditions, inform their doctor in order to come up with a treatment plan that will work for them.
Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease develops when there is an increase in inflammation in the blood vessels. This happens when there is a lack of oxygen in the blood that is supplied through the blood vessels. Since the blood vessels tend to lose their elasticity after many years of COPD, the senior is at an increased risk of heart failure when coping with both of these conditions. Cardiovascular disease may even lead to death in those seniors who have COPD.
Anxiety
Someone with anxiety becomes increasingly worried over various situations. In some severe cases, it can affect their sleep habits, eating, and ability to go about their day. Panic attacks may also occur in someone with anxiety, which has been described by some as feeling like a heart attack. While anxiety may seem like an irrational condition that is not harmful to us, it could actually be extremely dangerous to those elders who are also suffering from COPD.
During an anxiety episode, the elder may find it difficult to breathe, causing them to feel like they are suffocating. This condition may also cause COPD symptoms to flare up more often. Yet, if the senior’s anxiety is treated, they will experience fewer COPD symptoms. Watch for the following symptoms in your loved one if you are worried that they have COPD.
- Trouble falling and staying asleep
- Frequently feeling out of breath, even when not participating in physical activities
- Became increasingly fearful over airplanes, bridges, tunnels, elevators, and other similar situations
- Constantly worried over the next time they will feel out of breath
- Feeling worried over the next catastrophe, even though there is no reason for the to be concerned
Depression
With the constant struggles older adults with COPD may have, it is no surprise that many of them develop depression. People with depression have reportedly had more COPD flare ups, which could also lead to death. If the elder has any of the following symptoms, talk to their doctor about treatment options.
- Feeling empty or sad for several weeks
- No longer feeling joy out of activities they used to enjoy
- Lack of motivation or feeling exhausted
- Change in appetite, causing them to gain or lose weight
- Feeling useless
- Becoming more sensitive to criticism
- Frequently crying
- Physical pains and problems
If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Laguna Beach, CA, please contact the caring staff at Canaan Home Care today! 1-844-CANAAN-1 (1-844-226-2261)
Source:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3815613/
http://www.healthinaging.org/aging-and-health-a-to-z/topic:copd/info:unique-to-older-adults/
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