What Are Some of the More Unusual Reasons that Your Loved One Might Have Trouble Breathing?

Elderly Care Lexington NC

It’s not always easy to tell why your elderly loved one is having difficulty breathing. Some causes are obvious, particularly if she’s been diagnosed with issues that affect her lungs. Other causes might not be as obvious and might take some testing through your loved one’s doctor.

Anxiety

Worry and stress can make your loved one’s entire body strain to operate normally, including her lungs. If your loved one is prone to panic attacks, her breathing can easily become shallow and much more difficult. Other signs of anxiety can include feeling a little lightheaded or sweating. If your loved one is prone to anxiety, it’s a good idea for you and other people who help her to become familiar with her signals so that you can help her more effectively.

Lung Infections

Lung infections, most commonly pneumonia, may not be immediately obvious in your elderly loved one. If her immune system is weak, lung infections can crop up much more easily. Some of the more common symptoms of pneumonia include fever, chest pain, nausea, and trouble breathing. It’s important to take your loved one to the doctor right away if you suspect that she’s dealing with pneumonia.

Anemia

Anemia is a condition in which your loved one’s body isn’t producing enough red blood cells. It can affect your loved one’s breathing because the red blood cells are the ones that carry oxygen throughout her body. If your loved one is anemic, she may also feel tired and weak much of the time. her doctor might recommend dietary changes and supplements to correct the problem.

Allergies

Some allergies can cause such serious reactions in your elderly loved one that they can give your loved one a difficult time with her breathing. Allergies can be a problem even if they don’t cause sneezing or irritated eyes. Your loved one might experience tightness in her chest when she’s exposed to certain allergens or she might start to wheeze or cough..

When you are more aware about all of the reasons your loved one might have for her breathing issues, you can be more prepared. Let your other family members and your loved one’s elderly care providers know what may cause breathing problems for her so they can also be alert.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Elderly Care Services in Lexington NC, please contact the caring staff at Tender Hearted Home Care today. (704) 612-4132.