Last week we gave you the first Top 5 reasons seniors end up in the Emergency department. This week we give you the next Top 5 reasons. If you’re a family member or caregiver of an older adult, it helps to be familiar with the symptoms of these common emergency medical issues so you’re better prepared to deal with them should the need arise…
But remember, the best way to manage many of these conditions and avoid emergencies altogether, is by actively looking after your health in conjunction with your GP and other healthcare professionals.
6. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease covers a range of conditions including bronchitis, emphysema, and chronic airway obstruction. Fatigue, coughing, and shortness of breath are some of the possible symptoms.
7. Pneumonia
Pneumonia is one of the most common upper respiratory infections to land seniors in Emergency. Signs may be milder in older adults, and can include shortness of breath, coughing, and confusion or delirium.
8. Urinary Tract Infection
Unfortunately, many seniors become chronically dehydrated (the average figure is 30 per cent of all seniors) and this can often lead to a painful urinary tract infection. Symptoms of this type of infection include: pain or a burning sensation during urination; a feeling of urgency or a need to urinate frequently; plus an altered appearance of the urine. One of the best ways to avoid these infections is to drink plenty of clean water each day.
9. Stroke
Stroke – or cerebrovascular disease – is the second leading cause of death in Australia. If treated early and quickly enough, long-term damage can be avoided. Signs that a stroke or a mini-stroke could be about to occur include: dizziness, nausea, or vomiting; unusually severe headache; confusion, disorientation or memory loss; numbness, weakness in an arm, leg or the face, especially on one side; abnormal or slurred speech; and difficulty with comprehension.
10. Spinal disorders
Back pain is another symptom which commonly brings seniors to the Emergency ward, whether the pain is due to an injury to the back or neck, a vertebral disc disorder, or an inflammatory condition such as arthritis. We all know the symptoms of this type of problem and the thing to remember is, if you feel some back pain coming on, do some stretching exercises to avoid it getting worse.
