Most of us know that the common reasons for older people finding themselves in the Emergency department include stroke, heart attack and falls. But did you know adverse reactions to medical drugs is right up there in the list as well? Take a look at the Top 5 reasons seniors end up in ER…
Some things are hard to avoid but for many of these, forewarned is forearmed. Prevention is always best but actively managing your health conditions, in conjunction with your GP and other healthcare professionals, can help you avoid many of those emergencies altogether.
And next week we’ll have the next Top 5 reasons seniors end up in the Emergency department, just to keep you on your toes.
1. Injuries and accidents
Yes, falls and injuries of some type are among the most common reasons for older people to end up visiting an emergency room. These are often not fatal injuries but serious enough for seniors to go to hospital.
2. Heart disease
Two of the most common complaints from seniors in an emergency room are chest pain and shortness of breath. Both of these are potential indicators of heart disease and this is still the leading cause of death worldwide.
3. Chest pain
Yes, chest pain can be a symptom of heart disease but it is not a definite prognosis for heart disease. Chest pain can also be caused by other problems such as heart attacks, injuries, blood clots, respiratory infections, or even gastrointestinal issues.
4. Adverse reactions to medical drugs
It’s shocking but true – adverse reactions to medical drugs are an extremely common cause of visits to the ER among older people. This includes unexpected side effects, the negative impact of interactions between drugs or incorrect self-medication.
5. Abdominal Pain
Our digestive systems are sometimes the cause for visits to the emergency room. Older people can be prone to a whole range of illnesses of their digestive system including: digestive disease; food poisoning; and other gastrointestinal infections. All of these can cause abdominal pain or nausea. Kidney stones can also cause abdominal pain, due to malnutrition or dehydration.
