What is Bronchial Asthma?

Respiratory illnesses are particularly common among elderly adults and can be very dangerous. Seniors are vulnerable to diseases and infections due to suppressed immune systems and other factors, and as a family caregiver it is important that you understand the risks that they are facing so that you can help them to recognize these issues and ensure that your senior gets the best quality of care possible as they deal with this challenge. One common respiratory illness is bronchial asthma. It is a common misconception that asthma is only a disease of young people, but the reality is that older people can and do develop this disease later in life. This can cause a wide range of serious symptoms that can impact your parent’s health and well-being, and threaten their quality of life. Bronchial asthma is a condition characterized by the narrowing of the airways. These passages swell and produce excess mucus, triggering coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing, and making breathing difficult. Though many people believe that those who have this condition were always born with it or developed it when they were very young, seniors can develop it later in life as well. Because the experience of this disease can change over time, it is extremely important to pay close attention to what your parent is dealing with so that you can help them to seek the medical attention and treatment that is right for them. Some things that you should know about bronchial asthma include: • More than 25 million people throughout the United States are currently living with bronchial asthma • This number represents approximately 8 percent of the total population • 51 percent of adults living with asthma suffer an attack each year • Nearly 3,300 adults die from asthma each year • Women are more likely than men to suffer from asthma • Less than half of people with asthma report that they know how to avoid their asthma triggers Starting home care for your aging parent can be one of the best decisions that you can make for them in the course of your caregiver journey with them. An in-home senior care services provider will work with you to understand your elderly loved one’s individual challenges and limitations, and will be there with your senior on a customized schedule to ensure that they get all of the care, support, and assistance that they need, when they need it. This also ensures that you are able to give them the care that you can give them while feeling confident that they will be in good hands even when you are not able to be with them. The highly personalized services of a home care provider are designed to help your parent stay healthy, safe, comfortable, and happy while also pursuing a lifestyle that is as independent and fulfilling as possible as they age in place. If your parent is struggling with a particular health problem, this care provider’s support can be instrumental in helping them to handle the issue effectively and maintain their quality of life. This can include supporting them in making healthy lifestyle choices, offering reminders so they can stay compliant with their medications and treatments, and providing companionship and support to help them deal with the emotional aspect of this disease. Source http://www.aaaai.org/about-aaaai/newsroom/asthma-statistics http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/basics/definition/con-20026992 If you or an aging loved one are considering homecare in Jupiter, FL, contact the caring staff at BrightStar Care of Jupiter. Call today (561) 741-1200. About the Author – Jack Nicol, Owner BrightStar is a private duty Home Care Agency that provides unskilled and skilled care for people needing assistance in their home or a facility. We opened our agency in Jupiter, FL 6 years ago. Our service area is Northern Palm Beach & Martin Counties. BrightStar is a Home Care Agency not a Nurse Registry. I have always been passionate about helping people. My entire adult life I have focused on giving back to the community. Five years ago when I decided I was not ready for retirement, I founded BrightStar and started a new career. Caring for people in need has proven to be very rewarding and proof that I made the right decision for my new career. BrightStar Home Care is a Joint Commission Accredited Private Duty Home Care Agency. Our goal is to offer superior and passionate caregiving of skilled and unskilled services. We service those in need including special needs children/adults and the elderly throughout our community whether in their home or a facility. Our Joint Commission Accreditation holds our agency to a higher professional standard.