Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic lung condition that is the third most common reason for deaths in the United States.
There are currently around 15 million reported cases of COPD, but there are likely to be more since some people remain undiagnosed. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that about 50 percent of people with the condition don’t even know they have it. Knowing whether your older family member is at risk for COPD can help you to spot it in them and make certain they receive the medical care they need to live more comfortably.
COPD Risk Factors
The main cause of COPD is smoking. Up to 30 percent of people who smoke go on to develop COPD. However, there are other risk factors that increase the likelihood of an older adult getting the disease. Some of the risk factors for COPD are:
-Age: COPD is a condition that comes on gradually over several years, so most people who are diagnosed with the disease are aged 40 or older.
-Tobacco Smoke Exposure: People who smoke for many years or those who have long-term exposure to secondhand smoke are at higher risk. The more they smoke, the greater the risk.
-Smoking and Asthma: Individuals who have asthma and choose to smoke are at an even bigger risk than smokers who don’t have asthma.
-Exposure to Dust and Chemicals: Working in certain industries can expose people to chemicals, dust, vapors, and fumes that can damage the lungs.
-Genetics: There is a rare genetic disorder that can cause COPD. In addition, experts believe there are certain genetic factors that may increase the risk for smokers.
COPD Symptoms
In addition to knowing the risk factors for COPD, knowing the symptoms can also help you to identify the condition in your loved one. Some of the symptoms of COPD are:
- Being short of breath.
- A feeling of tightness in the chest.
- Wheezing.
- Feeling like they need to clear their throat when they wake up in the morning.
- A chronic cough that produces mucus.
- A blue tint to the lips and fingernails.
- Feeling like they have no energy.
- Swollen legs, ankles, and feet.
- Loss of energy.
If your older family member is diagnosed with COPD, an elderly care provider can help them to manage the condition and assist with tasks that may be difficult for them. An elderly care provider can remind them when it is time to take medications and drive them to medical appointments. Elderly care providers can also take over household tasks that might be difficult because of trouble breathing, such as vacuuming.
For more information about hiring Home Health Care in Pacific Beach CA, call the friendly caregivers at La Jolla Nurses Homecare who can help your aging parents remain in their own homes, at 858-454-9339. We are a home care agency providing quality and affordable senior care in La Jolla, CA, and the surrounding communities.
Sources
Cdc.gov
Mayoclinic.org
Verywellhealth.com
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