Signs & Symptoms of Stress and How to Conquer It

Stress is a common experience for most of us. It is a part of everyday life and can be a minor and passing experience or become a more chronic problem. When dealing with personal health concerns, worries like the COVID-19 pandemic, or the challenges involved in being a caretaker for a family member, stress can be a major factor in your life.

Knowing how to spot the warning signs and symptoms of stress becoming an unhealthy problem is important. So is learning how to manage or prevent the issues caused by stress. Read on to learn more about the impacts of stress and how to help conquer it.

What is stress, exactly?

Stress is more than just a feeling. Our bodies are programmed to physically react to challenges and threats. When we experience an external event such as increased household responsibilities or navigating a new health diagnosis and multiple medical bills, we have a mental and physical response. This response, sometimes called “fight, flight, or freeze,” happens automatically to help us get through a difficult situation.

When stress becomes chronic, however, the body’s physical responses triggered by fight or flight can be damaging. The American Psychological Association (APA) notes that stress affects every system of the body including the respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, nervous, endocrine, and reproductive systems. 1

Some symptoms caused by the body’s stress response include:

  • Increased heart rate and blood pressure
  • Muscle tension
  • Dizziness or shaking
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Headaches
  • Upset stomach or other digestive problems
  • General aches and pains
  • Change in appetite
  • Decreased sex drive

Health problems that can happen as a result of chronic stress

Symptoms of the body’s response to chronic, uncontrolled stress are a warning sign that health problems may be developing. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 75% of all visits to the doctor are related to stress. 2 These are some problems caused by chronic stress:

  • A weakened immune system
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Heart problems like coronary heart disease
  • Worsening asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Endocrine system-related problems like diabetes and obesity
  • Digestive system problems including worsening of existing inflammatory bowel issues

Stress and mental health

While all of these health problems are a serious concern, the impact of stress on mental health has led to the APA calling stress in America “A National Mental Health Crisis.” 3 Along with potentially worsening pre-existing mental health conditions such as bipolar disease and schizophrenia, stress can trigger anxiety and depression. It’s important to know what to watch for and to seek help if you’re concerned about your mental health or the mental health of a loved one.

For someone who is experiencing serious distress or having thoughts of hurting themselves, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 via call or text at 988.

Symptoms of depression

These are common symptoms of depression, according to the APA: 4

  • Lack of interest or pleasure in daily activities
  • Insomnia or excessive sleep
  • Being unable to concentrate
  • Weight loss or weight gain
  • Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
  • Lack of energy
  • Thoughts of death or suicide

Symptoms of anxiety

Many of the symptoms of stress are the same as those seen with anxiety. In addition to these symptoms, you may feel a constant sense of unease, worry, or impending doom. Anxiety can cause: 5

  • Always feeling restless or on edge
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Sleeping too much or too little
  • Headaches, muscle aches, or unexplained aches and pains
  • Upset stomach
  • Inability to stop worrying

How to Conquer Stress

Ultimately, learning tools for managing stress is key to reducing the health problems that can happen with chronic stress. There are several things you can do if you notice signs and symptoms of stress becoming a constant problem:

  • Get enough sleep- try to sleep at least 8 hours every night. Adults who sleep less than 8 hours per night report higher levels of stress than those that sleep longer. 6
  • Practice mindfulness- exercises like deep breathing and meditation reduce stress. You can even try downloading apps designed for this and make a daily routine of setting aside some time for this activity.
  • Take time for self-care- it’s important to take a break and choose self-care activities that contribute to staying healthy and removing yourself from stress. Read a book, spend time on a hobby, or listen to music- whatever helps you unwind the most.
  • Exercise and eat healthy- staying active and fueling your body with healthy nutrition is important to help combat the physical effects of stress.
  • Avoid excess caffeine- caffeine increases the body’s stress response.7 Sometimes stress and lack of sleep can create a vicious cycle of adding fuel to the fire by drinking caffeine.
  • Consider therapy- regular visits with a therapy provider can help you with processing stress and developing healthy thinking patterns to minimize the impacts of stress.
  • Practice positivity- during times of stress, negative thoughts can begin to crowd out the positive ones. Some people find setting aside time to reflect on positive thoughts, such as a daily gratitude journal, can help shift thoughts away from negativity.
  • Try yoga- a great combination of mindfulness and physical exercise, yoga reduced stress for 85% of people in a national survey. 8
  • Lean on friends- involve friends in your life who are positive and supportive, and are willing to be a listening ear or a companion for a fun activity.
  • Just say no- sometimes when you are at your limit and can’t take on any more commitments, it’s healthy and necessary to say “I’m sorry, I can’t” to any requests.

Sources of stress for seniors and caregivers

Another way to reduce stress is to take steps to improve the situations that are contributing to it or causing it, if possible. For seniors and caregivers, there are some common sources of stress. Seniors who are experiencing stress are not alone, either– one survey found that 44% of seniors feel stressed. 9 And for caregivers, stress can lead to burnout.

So what are these common sources of stress, and how can they be reduced?

For seniors:

  • Caring for a sick spouse
  • Financial concerns
  • Fear of losing independence
  • Chronic illness
  • Loss of physical abilities
  • Death of close friends, relatives, or spouse

While not all of these can be avoided, there are some ways the effects can be reduced. Prioritizing companionship, taking steps to improve home safety, and involving in-home caregivers to help with a sick spouse or with any personal needs, can all improve stress levels for seniors.

For caregivers:

  • Physical demands of caregiving
  • Challenges with dementia-related behaviors
  • Conflicting demands of caregiving and other responsibilities
  • The need for 24/7 care in some cases
  • Not being able to take a break
  • Managing complex health conditions of a loved one

In many cases, for a caregiver, solutions to stress such as self-care, sleep, exercise, and being able to say no to excess demands, do not feel like an option. Easing this level of responsibility by involving other family members and even a professional caregiver can allow a caregiver to have more freedom to take actions that will improve their stress levels. These services can be arranged as regular visits, or as respite care.

The strategies discussed in this article are vital to helping reduce the fallout from chronic stress. Although they require a commitment to put in place, the effort is worth the improvement in quality of life.

Even starting small- just one or two strategies- can make a big improvement. It may help to choose one that you feel may be easiest first. For example, set an alarm to remind you to take a 2-minute mindfulness break and practice deep breathing every few hours. Once you see the positive effects, it may be easier to add more stress-relieving strategies.

If in-home caregiver services would be a big help and reduce stress for you, Caresify’s home care providers are available for many caregiving tasks. You can read more here, or call 888-799-5007.

 

References

  1. https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/body
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3341916/#b7-mjms-15-4-009
  3. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2020/report-october
  4. https://www.apa.org/topics/depression
  5. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders
  6. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2013/sleep
  7. https://corporate.dukehealth.org/news/caffeines-effects-are-long-lasting-and-compound-stress
  8. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/urban-survival/201512/yoga-stress-relief
  9. https://www.stress.org/seniors

Six Care Tips for Someone Who is Bedbound

If you are a caregiver for a family member or other loved one, you know what kind of commitment it can be. When someone’s mobility is affected by complications of conditions such as stroke or Parkinson’s disease and they become bedbound, caregiving tasks can be enormously complex and time-consuming.

This can be difficult for both the caregiver and the person that is bedbound. There are some common challenges people face in this situation. There are also special considerations when caring for a bedbound person. Without proper management of these challenges, there is a risk of many poor outcomes.

Common problems linked with being bedbound

The human body requires regular movement to stay healthy. Immobility means that a person does not have the benefit of changing positions, increasing circulation, taking deep breaths, and tending to personal care. Without these activities, a person can have several common complications:

  • Respiratory infections such as pneumonia
  • Pressure ulcers, also called bedsores, due to poor skin care and staying in the same position too long
  • Isolation and depression
  • Pain due to inability to change positions (especially back pain)
  • Blood clots (also called a deep vein thrombosis or DVT), due to blood pooling in the lower extremities
  • Sleep problems due to pain, lack of exercise, or trouble keeping a regular sleep schedule
  • Decreased appetite due to lack of activity and/or depression
  • Constipation caused by a lack of movement, which helps digestion
  • Risk of injury or death in a home emergency such as a fire

With the right care, all of these problems can be prevented. Let’s take a closer look at six care tips for someone who is bedbound.

1. Hygiene is essential

A bedbound person must completely depend on others for their care, and personal hygiene is no exception. The inability to tend to personal hygiene can affect people physically and mentally. Routines should be started to manage the following hygiene concerns:

  • Bathing- this often means a bed bath, using a tub of warm soapy water to wash the entire body and then rinsing and drying. Apply lotion as needed to moisturize dry skin and prevent irritation.
  • Washing hair- there are dry shampoo options, but washing over a basin of water with shampoo at least weekly helps keep hair and scalp healthy.
  • Brushing teeth- oral hygiene affects a person’s ability to eat and must be performed daily, ideally twice per day.
  • Trimming nails- keeping nails clean and trimmed short reduces the risk of dirt and disease-causing bacteria building up under the nails.
  • Changing bedding- bath time is a perfect opportunity to make sure all bedding is fresh and clean– or change anytime it is soiled.
  • Peri-care- this involves keeping the genital area clean and dry. It must be tended to regularly, especially in the case of incontinent people.

2. Avoid skin damage

Along with keeping skin clean, avoiding damage due to prolonged moisture or pressure is a major concern for those who are bedbound. A pressure ulcer or bedsore can develop in as little as 2-6 hours.1 Here are some steps to take to avoid pressure injuries:

  • Keep a regular turning schedule- help the person change position every 2 hours.2
  • Use padding on bony/high-risk areas- the buttocks, tailbone, hips, heels, ankles, shoulder blades, knees, and back of the head are especially prone to developing pressure sores. Pillows, heel protectors, wheelchair and chair cushions, and specialty mattresses designed to relieve pressure can all reduce this risk.
  • Maintain clean and dry skin- moisture and irritation are leading causes of skin breakdown.
  • Ensure good nutrition- a healthy, balanced diet helps any skin damage to heal properly.

3. Provide regular stimulation and entertainment

Imagine being unable to leave your bed or room without help, and how quickly you would feel listless and bored staring at the same four walls. Just because someone’s body is unable to be active doesn’t mean their mind is the same. Lack of stimulation and entertainment can contribute to the development of depression. There are many ways you can be sure someone has interesting ways to keep their mind occupied:

  • Reading materials- books, magazines, and newspapers can help pass the time. Electronic readers can allow larger print and better lighting for people with visual difficulty.
  • Television and movies- everyone has favorite TV shows! Watching movies can be a shared activity, too.
  • Puzzles and games- crossword puzzles, solitaire, and shared games offer mental stimulation.
  • Exercise in bed- even if a person can’t move very well themselves, helping them pedal their legs and stretch other muscles helps reduce the risk of blood clots and muscle contractures (where the muscles become so stiff they can’t move).
  • Items to keep hands busy- for people with dementia, offering items that keep their hands busy can reduce restless behavior. Folding washcloths, playing with dolls, or using special blankets that are designed for people with dementia and have buttons, zippers, and other fasteners to interact with can help.

4. Offer companionship

Hours spent alone confined to bed are lonely and also contribute to depression. Routine personal care and hygiene allow for some interaction but may be less comforting than intentional, meaningful shared experiences. Consider these ways to offer companionship:

  • Set aside time to join activities- is there a show the person enjoys watching? Do they enjoy a certain card game? Would they like to participate in shopping online for food and personal care items? Can you choose a book to read together daily?
  • Facilitate visits- are there family and friends who would enjoy stopping by? If they are far away, you can set up virtual video visits to chat. This is a great way to bring church services to someone who misses them, too.
  • Adopt a pet- a cat or dog can be great companionship for someone who is restricted to bed.
  • Involve a home care service- a professional caregiver can not only help with hygiene, feeding, and personal care, but also offer regular companionship during times you can’t be available.

5. Involve your healthcare providers

Many health concerns caused by immobility can be helped with suggestions from doctors, nutritionists, and physical therapists. Talk to your regular physician about the following:

  • Ways to reduce blood clots- a doctor may prescribe blood-thinning medication or recommend prescription compression stockings.
  • Good nutrition- a person who has special dietary needs might benefit from a consultation with a nutritionist or from supplementation.
  • How to avoid muscle, joint, and respiratory problems- talking with a physical therapist may offer tips for in-bed exercises to maintain flexibility. And breathing exercises or a device called an incentive spirometer can help reduce the risk of pneumonia.
  • Any ongoing health concerns- pain, constipation, symptoms of depression, and sleep issues should all be reported to your doctor.

6. Have a safety plan

Being alone and trapped in an emergency is a scary idea for someone who is bedbound. It’s important to develop a safety plan and that anyone involved in the person’s care is aware of the plan. These are some things to consider:

  • Establish emergency exits- what is the fastest and easiest way out of the home? It is helpful to move a bedbound individual to the first floor of a home whenever possible.
  • Regularly test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors- the US Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends every home have working smoke detectors on every level of the house outside bedrooms and inside each bedroom. Carbon monoxide detectors should be on every level of the home (excluding attics and basements) and outside sleeping areas. 3
  • Decide on a safe meetup zone outside the home- anyone who leaves the house should know where to meet everyone else in the home, so there is no confusion about who might be left behind.
  • Know what transfer devices are available- someone who is bedbound must be transferred to a wheelchair or a device such as an inflatable or portable stretcher. Where is it kept?
  • Plan an evacuation location- especially in areas that experience weather events like flooding and hurricanes, knowing where to evacuate ahead of time is important. This can be a hospital, the home of a family member, or other locations that allow the person to stay comfortable.

Total care doesn’t have to be overwhelming

Remember that a person’s needs can change, especially as their condition changes. They may have reduced mobility temporarily due to an illness they are recovering from. They may also have a progressive condition that increases their needs. It’s important to be flexible and to involve your loved one in decisions about their own care as much as possible.

Although a person with restricted mobility can require total care, managing the steps we’ve discussed doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Coordinating multiple caregivers means the responsibilities aren’t resting on one family member. Sometimes this can mean involving in-home care services, even just for respite care. If you’re caring for a bedbound family member at home and would benefit from extra helping hands, Caresify’s team can meet your needs. You can read more here or call 888-799-5007 for more information.

 

References

  1. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/203224
  2. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000426.htm
  3. https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Carbon-Monoxide-Information-Center/CO-Alarms

What Do Stroke Symptoms Look Like?

If you or a loved one were to have a stroke, do you know all the symptoms to look for and what to do? Every 40 seconds in the United States, someone has a stroke. 1 Understanding stroke, stroke symptoms, and what to do in an emergency is crucial. This is especially true for the senior population– 75% of strokes happen in people age 65 and older. 2

What is a stroke?

Sometimes called a “brain attack,” a stroke is what happens when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. It can be due to a clot in the brain or a burst blood vessel in the brain. It is a medical emergency. This is because stroke causes damage to parts of the brain. The damage caused by a stroke can lead to death or disability– it is the second leading cause of death worldwide, and 50% of stroke survivors are permanently disabled. 3

Types of Stroke

Not all strokes are the same. There are some differences in what causes a stroke and how it happens. No matter what type of stroke someone has, it can cause serious brain injury.

Ischemic stroke

When a person has an ischemic stroke, they develop a blockage in one of the blood vessels in the brain. This blockage can be a blood clot or it can be the result of plaque buildup in blood vessels (similar to a heart attack). Ischemic strokes are responsible for around 87% of strokes. 4

When blood flow to the brain is blocked, part of the brain doesn’t get enough oxygen. With an ischemic stroke, there is a treatment called tPA that can be given to dissolve the clot, but it is best given within 4 hours of the start of symptoms.5 Surgical treatment can also be an option. Because the brain is being damaged while the blockage is happening, every minute counts when it comes to getting medical care.

Hemorrhagic stroke

This type of stroke involves a blood vessel in the brain bursting and bleeding into the brain. Like an ischemic stroke, it causes damage to brain tissue. When this happens, medical care is needed to stop the bleeding. Doctors can give medicine to help with this. There are also procedures and surgery that can stop the bleeding.

Transient ischemic attack (TIA)

TIAs have earned the nickname “mini-stroke” because they behave like an ischemic stroke but last for a short time, from a few minutes to a few hours. The symptoms of a TIA can be very similar to a stroke. TIAs must also be treated as a medical emergency because you can’t know if someone is having a TIA or a true stroke.

After a person has a TIA, their risk of an ischemic stroke happening in the next 90 days is as high as 17%– with the highest risk during the first week after the TIA. 6

Causes of stroke and stroke prevention

So what causes stroke, and can you prevent it in the first place? Like many illnesses, stroke risk is due to a combination of heredity, lifestyle, age, gender, and chronic health problems. While you can’t do anything about your genetics, age, or gender, there are some changes you can make in your daily habits that can help reduce the risk of stroke.

Here are some common risks for stroke:

  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Alcohol and/or drug abuse
  • Obesity
  • Not getting enough physical activity
  • Previous stroke or TIA
  • Gender (more common in women)7
  • Ethnicity (more common in Blacks, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Native Alaskans)8

As you can see, you can control several of these risk factors. A great starting point is to use the American Heart Association’s stroke risk calculator to see where you stand, or ask your doctor to perform a stroke risk assessment. From there, you can take the following steps to reduce your risk of stroke:

  • If you smoke, ask your doctor for help quitting
  • Talk to your doctor about whether blood-thinning medication like aspirin is right for you
  • Follow healthy diet and exercise recommendations, such as those recommended by the American Heart Association
  • Lower your cholesterol
  • Lower your blood pressure
  • If you’re diabetic, control your blood sugar
  • Keep a healthy weight
  • Reduce alcohol consumption
  • Visit your doctor regularly and take medications for chronic conditions as prescribed

Symptoms of stroke and what to do if they happen

If you or a loved one does experience stroke symptoms, do you know what they look like? If you don’t, you’re not alone. In one survey, only 38% of respondents were able to correctly identify all stroke symptoms. 9

So what do stroke symptoms look like? An easy way to remember the most important signs is the acronym F.A.S.T., which stands for:

  • F= Face drooping- One side of the face may feel numb or droop. When the person smiles, it can appear uneven
  • A= Arm weakness- One arm may feel weak or numb. When the person lifts both arms up, one may drift back down
  • S= Speech difficulty- Speech may be slurred, difficult to understand, or the person may not be able to speak at all
  • T= Time to call 911!- If you notice any of the above symptoms, even if they go away, call 911 immediately.

These are additional stroke symptoms to watch for, especially if they happen suddenly:

  • Dizziness
  • Loss of balance and/or coordination
  • Severe headache
  • Numbness or tingling anywhere, but especially if it is only on one side of the body
  • Trouble seeing (may affect only one eye)
  • Confusion or memory loss
  • Weakness in any part of the body

Remember, time lost is brain lost! Each minute of stroke, an average of 1.9 million brain cells die.10 First responders such as paramedics can start treating a stroke as soon as they arrive. Always call 911 if you think you are noticing stroke symptoms. Driving to the hospital yourself wastes precious time and can be dangerous if you are experiencing symptoms.

Stay proactive before, during, and after a stroke

The big takeaway from all of this is that a stroke is a serious situation and one that you should work to avoid. Acting immediately if you or a loved one does experience a stroke is important. It’s also critical to stay proactive after a stroke happens. Once you’ve had a stroke, your risk of having another is as high as 23%.11

To lower the risk of a repeat stroke, you can follow the same recommendations that lower your risk of a first-time incident. You’ll also need to stay vigilant for any symptoms of a stroke. For seniors that live alone, this means checking on them frequently and alerting anyone who helps with their care to watch for the stroke symptoms discussed above.

If someone has difficulty with daily tasks and self-care due to a stroke, a professional caregiver can not only help with daily needs, they are excellent at spotting the signs of a stroke and intervening right away. Caresify’s team of in-home caregivers can give you the peace of mind you need if stroke is a concern. You can read more about us here, or call 888-799-5007.

 

References

  1. https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/facts.htm
  2. https://muschealth.org/medical-services/geriatrics-and-aging/healthy-aging/stroke
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6288566/
  4. https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/facts.htm
  5. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1941874419870701
  6. https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/treatments.htm
  7. https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/risk_factors.htm
  8. https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/risk_factors.htm
  9. https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/facts.htm
  10. https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/stroke-symptoms
  11. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/stroke/3-ways-to-avoid-a-second-stroke

Is it a Respiratory Infection? Important Symptoms to Look For

With the introduction of COVID-19 to our vocabulary, most of us are familiar with the symptoms of respiratory problems. It can be hard to know sometimes, though, if symptoms are due to a respiratory infection, an existing health condition, or something else altogether. Especially with the ongoing pandemic, it is important to learn how to identify a respiratory infection, and when to seek medical care.

For seniors, respiratory infections can be a greater threat. This is due to changes in lung function with aging, underlying chronic medical conditions, and a weaker immune system in older adults. 1

What causes respiratory infections in seniors?

There are a few common causes of respiratory infections in seniors. The risk of catching one of these infections can increase especially for seniors living in group settings. The most common causes are:

  • COVID-19
  • Influenza (flu)
  • RSV
  • Pneumonia

It’s helpful to understand each one in more detail and the symptoms you might see.

COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has catapulted this highly contagious viral infection to the top of the list of causes of respiratory infections. Studies have shown that people hospitalized with COVID-19 are sicker than those with the flu.2 And adults aged 65 and older account for 74% of all COVID-19 deaths. 3

Symptoms of COVID-19 include:

  • Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Fever and/or chills
  • Headache
  • Body or muscle aches
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stuffy or runny nose
  • Loss of taste or smell

Influenza

A common viral illness, influenza (also called the flu), like COVID-19, can have serious implications for adults 65 and older. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that each year, adults in this age group account for 50-70% of flu-related hospitalizations and 70-85% of flu-related deaths.4 Although the flu does not affect only the respiratory system, it can lead to respiratory complications like pneumonia.

Symptoms of influenza include:

  • Fever and/or chills
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Stuffy or runny nose
  • Headache
  • Body aches
  • Fatigue
  • Vomiting or diarrhea (less common in adults)

RSV

Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, affects the airway and lungs. Each year, 177,000 older adults are hospitalized with RSV, and 14,000 die. 5 People 65 and older who have heart and lung conditions are at even greater risk of complications.

This common virus usually causes mild cold-like symptoms, such as:

  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Fatigue
  • Fever

If RSV becomes severe, it can lead to pneumonia. It can also worsen existing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or congestive heart failure (CHF).

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation in the air sacs (called alveoli) in the lungs. It can be caused by a virus, such as COVID-19, influenza, or RSV. Pneumonia can also be caused by bacteria or fungi.

Symptoms of pneumonia include:

  • Fever
  • Cough (productive)
  • Confusion (more common in the elderly)
  • Shortness of breath and/or rapid breathing
  • Chills
  • Sweating
  • Muscle aches
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Decreased appetite
  • Lips and/or fingernails turning blue
  • Chest pain
  • Weakness

A serious complication of respiratory infections: ARDS

Any of the above respiratory infections can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome or ARDS. As with other respiratory illnesses, age is a risk factor for developing ARDS. It also increases the risk of death, an outcome in 30-50% of people with the condition.6

In ARDS, the air sacs in the lungs fill with fluid. The body’s oxygen level becomes very low because of how this affects the lungs. This condition can take days to develop or it can happen very quickly. ARDS is a medical emergency. For most people, mechanical ventilation (where a machine is breathing for someone) is needed to treat ARDS.

If someone is sick with another respiratory infection, and their symptoms worsen, this can sometimes be a sign of ARDS. Symptoms include:

  • Severe shortness of breath
  • Blue lips and/or fingernails
  • Low blood oxygen levels
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Rapid breathing
  • Confusion
  • Severe fatigue
  • Low blood pressure
  • Fever

How do I know when to call the doctor or 911?

If you aren’t sure a respiratory illness is an emergency, it’s always best to call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. It’s better to find out that nothing serious is happening than to overlook a life-threatening problem. This is true whether symptoms are caused by an infection or another medical problem.

A doctor should address any respiratory illness for seniors, especially those with pre-existing health conditions such as congestive heart failure or COPD. If the symptoms are mild, such as a stuffy or runny nose and mild cough, you can call your doctor and ask for their recommendations. They may recommend treatment at home, or advise an office visit for further testing. Some infections like the flu or COVID-19 can be treated with prescription antiviral medication, but only if it’s in the first few days of the infection.

If you notice any of the following symptoms, don’t wait, call 911:

  • Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
  • Confusion or decreased responsiveness
  • Blue lips or fingernails
  • Chest pain
  • Low blood oxygen levels (the CDC recommends treatment below 90% 7)
  • Rapid heartbeat

How can I prevent respiratory infections?

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve all been well-versed in the best ways to prevent the COVID-19 virus. The same rules apply to other respiratory infections as well. These include:

  • Wash your hands frequently
  • Don’t touch your eyes, mouth, and nose with unwashed hands
  • Stay at least 6 feet away from others who are sick
  • Don’t share items like drinks or utensils, especially if you know someone is sick
  • Clean frequently used surfaces with disinfectant
  • Avoid large crowds
  • Wear a mask as recommended by your local health department or doctor
  • Stay up to date on vaccines recommended by your doctor, including the flu vaccine, pneumonia vaccines, and COVID-19 vaccines

Some final thoughts on respiratory infections

There has been increased discussion since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic about the safety benefits of staying at home. This can be helpful in addition to the above preventative steps, especially during times of increased community infections. More than ever, services are available to seniors in their homes and remotely, allowing them to remain in their own homes longer.

Most seniors- as many as 90% in one survey- would prefer to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. 8 This is another way to reduce the risk of exposure to serious infections. It may be easier in your home to avoid others who are sick than in a group living situation.

If living alone is a challenge and you or a loved one need help with daily activities and care, an in-home caregiver can help you maintain as much independence as possible. For more information on expert caregivers through Caresify’s home care services, you can read more here, or call 888-799-5007.

References

  1. https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/10.1513/pats.200508-081JS
  2. https://www.thoracic.org/about/newsroom/press-releases/journal/2020/patients-hospitalized-with-severe-cases-of-flu-do-better-than-those-with-covid-19.php
  3. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1191568/reported-deaths-from-covid-by-age-us/
  4. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/65over.htm
  5. https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/high-risk/older-adults.html
  6. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2020.589553/full
  7. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/videos/oxygen-therapy-equipment/Equipment_for_Oxygen_Monitoring_and_Oxygen_Therapy_Transcript.pdf
  8.  https://gero.usc.edu/students/current-students/careers-in-aging/the-value-of-aging-in-place/

How to Protect Seniors From Heat and Dehydration 

When the temperature outside starts to rise, protecting yourself from dehydration and heat-related problems becomes increasingly important. For seniors aged 65 years and older, the risks from heat and dehydration are even higher. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that 36% of heat-related deaths each year are in this age group. 1

If you or a loved one have a chronic medical condition such as heart disease, diabetes, or are overweight, heat-related illness can also have a more serious impact. To reduce your risk of problems from heat and dehydration, there are some steps you can take. We’ll take a closer look at what kinds of problems seniors can experience in hot temperatures, and how to keep yourself hydrated and safe while still enjoying the beautiful summer weather.

What problems can seniors experience in hot weather?

In hot summer weather, seniors are especially at risk for heat-related problems when spending time outdoors, but this can even happen in some indoor situations. These problems include:

  • Dehydration
  • Heat exhaustion
  • Heat stroke

Risk factors for heat-related problems in seniors

There are several risk factors to be aware of when thinking about seniors and the impact of heat. If you or a loved one have any of these risk factors, it’s especially important to take extra steps to prevent heat injury. You should also know what symptoms to watch for. The risk factors include:

  • Physical changes due to aging– seniors cannot regulate their body temperature as effectively as younger adults can.
  • Chronic medical conditions- problems such as kidney disease can affect hydration levels, and heart or lung-related health conditions reduce endurance. Any chronic medical condition can mean stress from heat can be hard for the body to manage.
  • Taking multiple medications- some medications can affect a person’s ability to stay hydrated or to regulate body temperature.
  • Self-care limitations- seniors who experience cognitive challenges due to Alzheimer’s disease, or those with conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, may have difficulty protecting themselves from the effects of high temperatures.
  • Living alone- for seniors who live by themselves, social isolation can sometimes mean that heat-related issues go unnoticed. If the person begins having symptoms and ignores them, or is embarrassed to ask for help, they may suffer a heat-related injury.

Let’s look more closely at the problems that can happen related to heat exposure.

Dehydration

In hot conditions, the body loses fluid more quickly due to sweating. When a person loses more fluid than they are taking in, dehydration happens. The factors discussed above can cause you to be under-hydrated to begin with. When this happens, heat will lead to dehydration even faster. Symptoms of dehydration include:

  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth
  • Extreme thirst (older people may not feel thirsty as quickly as younger people do)
  • Headache
  • Reduced urination and/or darker colored urine
  • Fatigue
  • Confusion
  • Low blood pressure

Heat exhaustion

When your body overheats and is not able to cool itself properly, it is called heat exhaustion. Dehydration and hot temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion. Common symptoms include:

  • Increased body temperature over 100°F 2
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Excessive sweating
  • Muscle cramps
  • Dizziness and/or fainting
  • Fatigue
  • Swelling in your feet, ankles, or hands (called heat edema)

Heat stroke

Untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke. This is a medical emergency, where the body temperature rises out of control, up to 106°F within 10-15 minutes. 3 If heat stroke is not treated, it can lead to death. Symptoms to watch for are:

  • Hot, dry skin (the person is unable to sweat)
  • Severe, throbbing headache
  • Increased body temperature over 103°F 4
  • Dizziness
  • Fast breathing and high heart rate
  • Confusion
  • Seizures
  • Unconsciousness

Steps to prevent heat-related illness and dehydration

Now that you are aware of the problems that heat and dehydration can cause, how can you prevent them from happening in the first place? There are some important steps you can take:

  • Drink enough water to stay hydrated- if you have a chronic medical condition or take certain medications, your doctor may have specific recommendations for you. Always ask your doctor about safe amounts of water intake for your needs. The standard recommendation for a healthy young person is 2.2-3 liters a day (8 glasses of water), and 6-12 oz of water every 10-15 minutes during strenuous outdoor activity. 5
  • Stay indoors- during the hottest days of the summer, or at a minimum the hottest part of the day (usually midday), stay indoors where there are fans or air conditioning. Close blinds and curtains to decrease indoor temperatures. If you are having trouble paying your home cooling bill, you can reach out to the National Energy Assistance Referral service, or talk to your Area Agency on Aging.
  • Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing- especially when made from breathable natural fabrics, dressing for the weather can help air circulate against your skin better so your body can stay cooler.
  • Limit caffeine and alcohol- beverages containing caffeine and alcohol can have a diuretic effect (make you urinate more).
  • Watch the color of your urine- if you are well hydrated, your urine should be clear to pale yellow. If you notice darker urine, it can be a sign of dehydration.
  • Get in the water- even a cool shower and then sitting in front of a fan can help to keep you from overheating.
  • Avoid using the stove if you don’t have air conditioning- opt for cold meals like sandwiches instead.
  • Seek out a cooler location- if you do not have air conditioning, somewhere like a library or a mall can offer a break from hot temperatures. You can also reach out to your local city or county for information on any available cooling centers- sites set up for the public to access a cool indoor space if they do not have one.
  • Discuss your medications with your doctor- it’s important to know if any of the medications you are taking could affect your ability to stay hydrated or cool. Your doctor may have recommendations to help with any medication side effects.
  • If you have elderly friends or relatives, check on them- during extremely hot weather, an elderly loved one may need additional help in their home if they live alone. It’s important to check in regularly to make sure they are staying hydrated, and not experiencing any heat-related problems.

First aid for heat-related illness

If you or a loved one experiences heat-related illness despite your best efforts to avoid it, what should you do? Here are some first aid tips:

  • When in doubt, call 911- remember, heat stroke is an emergency. If someone is experiencing heat-related problems, you can take measures to try to cool them down. But if you’re not sure it’s an emergency, it’s best to seek help first.
  • Move to a cooler place- get out of the heat and the sun, and move to the shade or indoors where the temperature is lower.
  • Loosen tight clothing- get as much air circulating against the skin as possible. Remove any clothing that is wrapped against the skin or loosen it.
  • Drink fluids- rehydrating and resting can help. If you are helping someone with symptoms, do not give them fluids if they are unresponsive, confused, or cannot safely swallow.
  • Use water to cool off- moistening clothing or even getting in a cool bathtub (if the person is alert) can help lower body temperature.
  • Grab some ice packs- you can place these against a person’s neck, armpits, or groin to cool off faster.

Paying attention to heat and hydration is the best protection

As you can see, there are many reasons to pay extra attention to heat and staying hydrated as a senior. With proper attention to avoiding extreme temperatures and drinking the right amount of fluids recommended by your doctor, you can avoid heat-related illness during the hot summer months.

If you or a loved one could benefit from additional help with activities of daily living in the home, considering a professional in-home caregiver can reduce the risk of injuries including heat-related illnesses that might otherwise go unaddressed. This is especially true for older adults with dementia or similar health challenges. If you’re looking for expert caregivers and aren’t sure where to start, you can read about Caresify’s in-home services and caregivers here, or call 888-799-5007.

References

  1. https://www.cdc.gov/pictureofamerica/pdfs/picture_of_america_heat-related_illness.pdf
  2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21480-heat-exhaustion
  3. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/heatrelillness.html
  4. https://www.cdc.gov/pictureofamerica/pdfs/picture_of_america_heat-related_illness.pdf
  5. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/9013-dehydration