Senior Aides With The Perfect Home Care Warn About the Dangers of Asthma
Senior Care in Valhalla NY
Eleise Daniels, a senior advisor to The Perfect Home Care, points out that August is “managing asthma month.” This is especially noteworthy, she says, because an estimated one in 12 seniors 
suffers from asthma.
“While the symptoms vary, ranging from mild wheezing to severe shortness of breath, seniors can manage the condition by following some simple steps,” according to Ms. Daniels, who derives her information from literature prepared by medical professionals.
Among other measures, Ms. Daniels notes that the literature suggests working closely with an asthma specialist, as doing so can teach seniors how to take medicines properly, avoid asthma triggers, respond to worsening symptoms, and seek emergency care when needed.
“In short, it means staying on top of your asthma,” says Ms. Daniels. “This includes, for example, using a peak flow meter, which will show if your asthma is getting worse, even before you start to feel symptoms.”
While asthma has no cure, it can be effectively managed, according to Debra Haigler, another senior aide at The Perfect Home care. Here are some suggestions on preventive actions that can be taken, according to Ms. Haigler:
- Pay attention to pollen counts and stay indoors when they are very high. High pollen count days tend to be warm and windy (with lowest pollen count days when it rains).
- Keep the windows closed and the air conditioning on when you’re in the house or car. This will keep the pollen from coming inside.
- Regularly vacuum and dust flat surfaces in the house. Pollen collects in dust, so cleaning will keep levels down indoors.
- Wash the pollen off when you return home. It might seem like overkill, but it’s a good idea to shower and change your clothes when you return home.
- Use your medication preventively, rather than waiting for symptoms to appear. This begins by talking with your physician and developing an action plan. Asthma is treated with two types of medicines: long-term control and quick-relief medicines. Long-term control medicines help reduce airway inflammation and prevent asthma symptoms. Quick-relief, or “rescue” medicines relieve asthma symptoms that may flare up. This may mean, for example, using an inhaled corticosteroid every day and an inhaled long-acting beta2-agonist as soon as symptoms begin to appear. It may also mean using an over-the-counter antihistamine, perhaps in combination with a decongestant to relieve nasal congestion.
“Take advantage of a preventive plan that will help you enjoy life while managing your symptoms,” says Pauline Frankson, a third senior aide at The Perfect Home Care.
If you or an aging loved one are looking for home care in Valhalla, NY, call the friendly staff at The Perfect Home Care at (855) 855-5728. Call today!
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