Senior Helpers In Home Care of Lower and Upper Coastal Fairfield County, Milford and Orange, Connecticut, Talks About Asthma and Seniors

Pay attention to symptoms and seek treatment

Asthma awareness is not just for kids. It is often diagnosed as a new condition in older people after beginning with a nighttime cough or difficulty breathing. In fact, the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology states that “approximately six to 10% of older individuals in the United States may have asthma – a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and wheezing.” Other existing health conditions in adults who develop asthma can be more challenging to treat, and seniors can experience drug and disease interaction.

Asthma symptoms in seniors are often explained away as old age, a result of smoking, or attributed to air pollution. Seniors who suffer from illnesses such as Alzheimer’s and dementia often cannot communicate their symptoms, and may also have other impairments or disorders that can confuse or mask asthma symptoms. With proper diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan, asthma can be successfully managed in people of all age groups, including older adults. Allergens cannot be totally avoided, but their effects can be minimized by following these tips:

• Watch for ozone alerts.
• Minimize outdoor activity on days when temperatures are excessively high.
• Take medications as prescribed in the recommended dosage. Do not take more medication to ease severe symptoms without consulting your doctor.
• Use an air conditioner in both your home and car to keep air clean, cool, and dry.
• Do not stand directly behind cars that are running. Exhaust fumes could trigger an asthma attack.

Sources: http://www.aaaai.org/patients; http://www.allergiesasthmahelp.com/allergies-asthma-articles

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, caregiving services for the elderly in the Greenwich, Darien, New Canaan, Westport, Milford and Orange area.  We offer extensive in-home health care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it.  Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Lower and Upper Coastal Fairfield County, Milford and Orange, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references.  In-home care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones’ continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you.  For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/0909.