Helping an Older Loved One Living with Asthma

HCC Blog Featured Image Asthma

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that makes it harder to move air in and out of the lungs. Although it can start at any age, managing asthma often becomes more challenging as people grow older. This article will help you understand asthma and provide practical tips for supporting older loved ones in living with this condition.

Asthma affects the lungs, leading to bronchospasms that cause inflammation and narrowing of the airways. This results in breathing difficulties, which may manifest as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.

Other symptoms of an asthma attack may include:

  • Rapid breathing
  • Tightened neck and chest muscles, called retractions
  • Difficulty talking
  • Feelings of anxiety or panic
  • Pale, sweaty face
  • Blue lips or fingernails
  • Worsening symptoms despite the use of medications

According to The American Lung Association, asthma has a variety of causes, including family history, allergies, respiratory infections, on-the-job exposures to dust, fumes, vapors or molds, smoking, air pollution, and obesity.

When an older person has asthma, it will often present as wheezing or a rattling cough. Older adults have lungs that lack elasticity, and their immune systems are sometimes weaker than younger people facing the same condition. When seeking treatment for your older loved one, it is best to consult their general physician, who may recommend a specialist. Treatment is not always as cut and dry for older adults because some medications for other conditions may interfere with asthma treatments. Attending doctor’s appointments and advocating for the patient’s needs is a great way to stay ahead of asthma. There are some simple steps you can take to help the older loved ones in your life manage their asthma.

Create an asthma-friendly living space.

One of the best things we can do for the ones we love in just about any situation is to ensure they live in a safe and comfortable space. A cleaning professional can come through and vacuum the rugs, remove dust from all surfaces, and wipe down areas where mold might grow. Keeping a fresh and clean space eliminates mold and other irritants. Also, make sure there is no exposure to cigarette smoke. Also, ask yourself if the home has proper ventilation—would air purifiers be beneficial?

Offer the emotional support they need

It’s never easy to live with a chronic illness, and growing older presents myriad challenges that can impact your loved one’s day-to-day experiences. Be there for them. Reach out more often than you think is needed. The best gift you can give your treasured loved one is time. Offer them empathy, patience, and understanding. They may need your support more than they are willing to say.

Help them understand their medications and how to use them.

As mentioned above, several types of medications are used to treat asthma, including inhalers and different steroids. Make sure that your loved one knows when to use them. They should have a system in place to track when they are using their meds, and either a family member or a caregiver should check in to ensure they comply with the recommended usage. Have them or their health care aid keep track of symptoms and daily breathing patterns, and make sure that they have the tools they need, like peak flow meters. Encourage them or their caregivers to make an asthma diary to track attacks and treatment. Help them be mindful of asthma triggers, such as exposure to cold air.

Support a healthy lifestyle.

Obesity and a lack of exercise can trigger asthma. Obesity and inactivity can exacerbate asthma, while excessive exercise can also be problematic. Help your loved one find a balanced approach to physical activity and healthy living that supports their well-being and helps manage asthma.

Caregivers like you play a crucial role in navigating the complexities of every aspect of getting older. Your love and support will ensure your treasured love ones receive the best possible care. Helping older adults manage their asthma requires medical, environmental, and emotional support. You can provide all of this by creating a safe living environment, offering reassurance, assisting with medication management, and encouraging a healthy lifestyle.

At Home Care Connectors, we know how vital a solid support system is. You can contact us to discuss how we can make caring for a loved one an even better experience.

Sources:

American Lung Association (ALA):

Provides comprehensive information on asthma, including symptoms, medications, and tips for caregivers.

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA):

Offers insights into managing asthma, creating asthma-friendly environments, and developing action plans.

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