I've been a caretaker of an elderly woman with dementia for over two years. I've seen the effects of this mental affliction, and how devastating it can be to loved ones. This is why I am a firm believer in seeking a professional diagnosis, so the patient may receive necessary care and treatment. Once diagnosed at the onset of symptoms, a plan can be devised. Through social interaction and daily care, my charge has achieved a higher quality of life. If your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, you can make a difference. Love will find a way.
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Dementia and Your Loved One
A Few Things To Know About Adult-Onset Asthma
Vickie Armstrong
If you've been experiencing shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness, you might want to be checked for asthma. These symptoms can be signs of other medical problems, such as a heart condition, so they shouldn't be ignored. However, you might not realize that asthma can develop at any age in life. Even if you're a senior and never had asthma before, you can still develop it and have respiratory symptoms. Here are some things to know about adult-onset asthma.
Asthma Is Often Related To Allergies
Asthma can be caused by various factors such as hormonal changes and respiratory infections. However, a main cause is allergies. Asthma symptoms may come and go along with the allergy season or they may be persistent throughout the year. You may want to undergo allergy testing to find out what triggers your respiratory symptoms. Avoiding allergens could become an important aspect of your treatment plan.
Asthma Is Diagnosed With Lung Function Testing
Since asthma symptoms can be the same as symptoms from other medical conditions, especially if your asthma is mild, your doctor will probably recommend lung function testing if asthma is suspected. This is a painless test where you blow into a machine so your lung capacity and flow rate can be measured. This test is useful for diagnosing lung disease and differentiating between asthma and other lung conditions such as emphysema.
Treatments Help Manage Your Symptoms
Just because you have adult-onset asthma it doesn't mean you have to suffer with symptoms all the time. When you work with an asthma specialist, your symptoms can usually be kept under control so you can lead a normal and active life. This may entail taking medication daily or just when your symptoms flare. You might need anti-inflammatory drugs to keep swelling down in your airways and bronchodilators to help reduce wheezing.
You might also need to avoid triggers as much as possible to prevent an asthma attack. This might include avoiding things like allergens, extremely cold weather, certain foods, and overexertion. Your specialist develops a personalized treatment plan for you that keeps your asthma controlled so you can avoid flares as much as possible.
When you have asthma, it's important to be involved in your care. Always follow your doctor's instructions for taking medication, even when you feel well, or you could be at a higher risk of having an asthma attack. Your doctor may have you measure your lung function daily at home by blowing into a peak flow meter. This helps you monitor the condition of your lungs so you know when they are getting tight before you have serious symptoms. By working with your asthma specialist and finding a treatment plan that works well, you have a greater chance of keeping your asthma in check so you can maintain an active lifestyle as you age. Visit a site like http://www.drdianeozog.com for more help.
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