Senior Care News

Signs and Symptoms of COPD

More than 64 million people throughout the world are currently suffering from COPD. Approximately 24 million of those people are in the United States.

Home Care in Katy TX

Home Care in Katy TXMore than 64 million people throughout the world are currently suffering from COPD. Approximately 24 million of those people are in the United States. As a family caregiver it is important that you understand the risk of this set of conditions and help your parent to reduce that risk as well as manage the symptoms should they develop. November is COPD Awareness Month. This is the ideal opportunity for you to learn more about this condition so that you can take the proper steps to give your aging loved one the care that they need throughout their later years. This starts with understanding the signs and symptoms of the condition so that if you notice them, you can care for your loved one in the way that is right for them.

Some of the signs and symptoms of COPD include:

• Daily cough that produces mucus for at least three months out of the year for two consecutive years
• Shortness of breath, particularly when participating in physical activities
• Wheezing
• Sense of tightness in the chest
• The urge to clear the throat first thing in the morning because of a buildup of mucus in the longs
• While, yellow, clear, or green mucus production in coughs
• Blue tinge to the lips or beds of the fingernails
• Experiencing more respiratory infections than normal
• Fatigue or simply feeling like they do not have enough energy

It is important to note that COPD is not one condition, but rather a cluster of conditions that all impact the flow of air through the respiratory system. Each of these conditions, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, has their own set of symptoms and, likewise, their own set of treatments and management approaches. This is why it is important if you notice any changes in your parent’s breathing or function that you get them to the doctor as soon as possible so that they can get evaluated and receive the proper diagnosis. This allows them to get on the course of treatment and management that is right for them.

If your elderly loved one is suffering from COPD, starting home care for them may be the ideal solution to help them cope with their condition and live a higher quality of life as they age in place. The personalized services of an in-home senior care services provider are tailored specifically toward helping your parent manage their care in a way that is right for them. This means taking into consideration not just the physical issues that they are facing and the symptoms that they deal with on a regular basis, but also their personality, goals, thoughts, and opinions. Through this set of services your parent can live a lifestyle that is fulfilling, active, and independent while also staying as healthy as possible moving forward. When it comes to helping your parent deal with their symptoms, this care provider can evaluate what your loved one is going through, encourage them to make healthier choices, and provide reminders that support compliance with their medication and lifestyle guidelines from their doctor.
Source
http://www.healthline.com/health/copd/facts-statistics-infographic#3
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/copd/symptoms-causes/dxc-20204886

If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Katy, TX, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (832) 271-1600.

Donna Wrabel, LMSW

Recent Posts

Categories

Contact Us About Home Care

Skip to content