5 Signs Of Respiratory Disease In Seniors You Should Know About
Respiratory diseases are much more common in seniors than people think. Your mom or dad could have a respiratory disease like COPD, or they could develop respiratory disease as a result of pneumonia or COVID-19, even if they never smoked.
Respiratory disease can be scary for seniors, but often the symptoms are manageable. If your mom or dad has respiratory disease, they may be able to live in their own home quite comfortably if they have senior home care. A senior home care provider can help seniors manage their respiratory illness at home, including help managing their medications.
Keep an eye on your senior parent, and if you notice any of these common signs of respiratory disease in seniors, make an appointment with their doctor to have them tested for respiratory disease:
1. Shortness of Breath
One of the most noticeable symptoms of respiratory disease in seniors is shortness of breath. Your mom or dad may feel winded or out of breath, even after doing simple tasks like walking across a room or climbing a few stairs.
Shortness of breath can make it hard for your mom or dad to do their usual activities. If this symptom appears suddenly or worsens over time, it may be a sign of a severe respiratory issue.
2. Persistent Cough
Another common symptom of respiratory disease is a persistent cough. Depending on the type of respiratory issue, the cough may be dry or wet.
Coughing can be exhausting and may even cause chest pain or discomfort. If you or senior home care providers notice a cough lasting longer than a few weeks or becomes severe, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider. Persistent coughing is often a sign that the lungs are trying to clear out irritants or infections.
3. Wheezing
Wheezing is a high-pitched, whistling sound when breathing, especially during exhalation. It is caused by narrowed airways, which make it harder for air to move through the lungs.
Wheezing can be a sign of asthma, COPD, or other respiratory diseases. This symptom may come and go, but it is often worse during physical activities or when lying down. Wheezing can make your mom or dad feel anxious or uncomfortable, which can cause them to panic and make their breathing worse. If the wheezing is noticeable, get it checked out.
4. Chest Pain or Tightness
Seniors with respiratory disease might also experience chest pain or a feeling of tightness in the chest. This discomfort can be mild or severe and may be constant or come and go.
Chest pain is a concerning symptom because it can sometimes be mistaken for heart-related issues. However, when related to respiratory disease, it is often due to inflammation or infection in the lungs. If your mom or dad experiences any chest pain, it should be checked by a doctor to rule out either heart disease or respiratory disease.
Senior home care can help your loved one schedule a doctor’s appointment, provide transportation to and from the appointment, and accompany them to the appointment when you cannot.
5. Fatigue and Weakness
Fatigue is a common symptom of respiratory disease in seniors. Breathing issues make the body work harder, which can lead to exhaustion. Fatigue is a common symptom of many disorders. But, if your mom or dad starts to be extremely tired when they didn’t used to be, that is a sign something is wrong.
Fatigue in seniors can be linked to low oxygen levels, as the body may struggle to get enough oxygen to function normally. When combined with other symptoms, such as shortness of breath or coughing, fatigue may be a warning sign of respiratory disease.
If you or senior home care providers notice your mom or dad is much more tired than they used to be, or they don’t have the energy they used to have to do activities, make an appointment with their doctor to check their oxygen levels.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Home Care in Marlboro Township, NJ, please contact the caring staff at Lares Home Care (732) 334-3323.
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