Home Care Services For Emphysema Patients
Emphysema is a chronic obstructive pulmonary illness that is often caused by years of heavy smoking. However, other factors such as repeated bouts of lung infections as well as chronic exposure to air pollution may also play a role. Not only can emphysema cause pulmonary symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, but it can also lead to profound weakness and severe anxiety. If you have emphysema and are unable to care for yourself at home, consider hiring a home care services professional for assistance. Here are some ways a home healthcare services professional can help you cope better with your emphysema.
Administration Of Pulmonary Medications
Your home healthcare services professional can give you your pulmonary medications so that you can breathe easier. In addition to your pills and cough syrups, they can also administer your breathing treatments to help thin out the secretions in your lungs. If you are too weak or sick to prepare your breathing treatment solution and hold the nebulizer inhalation device over your nose and mouth, the home care professional can do it for you.
After your breathing treatments, your caregiver can also help you get into a comfortable position so that you can cough up the excess mucus in your lungs. Your home care services provider can also help you put on your nasal cannula or face mask if your doctor has ordered oxygen therapy.
Exercises And Position Changes
It is important for emphysema patients to get as much exercise as they can because it helps promote lung function. If you are unable to exercise on your own because of weakness or because you are afraid you might fall, your home caregiver can walk with you and stand by with a wheelchair.
This will give you more confidence so that if you become dizzy, weak, or fearful, you will know that you can sit down right away. The caregiver can also help you change positions in your bed so that too much pressure does not build up on the bony prominences of your spine and heels because this can lead to skin breakdown.
If you have emphysema and are too weak or ill to live alone, consider the above benefits of a home care services professional. With proper home care, you may feel better and more hopeful so that you can enjoy seeing your family and friends more and participate in the activities you love. For more information, contact a company like Moonlight Home Health Care.