Does your loved one with Alzheimer's disease have difficulty breathing?

Is your loved one, perhaps your mother, father, or grandparent, suffering from Alzheimer's disease? It can be scary to see someone suddenly have difficulty breathing. They may feel like they are struggling to breathe normally. Sometimes they may feel like they are gasping for air, like they are not getting enough air in their chest. This problem can start suddenly, or it can develop gradually over weeks. So today we will talk about this and what we should do in times like these.

Emergency situations that require immediate hospital admission

If you have sudden, severe difficulty breathing, it may be an emergency. If you have any of the following symptoms, take the patient to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the ambulance service on 1990.

When to talk to the doctor

In cases like this, even if it's not an emergency, it's important to definitely see your family doctor for advice.

• If your shortness of breath is new or gets worse when you do something small, like climbing stairs.
• If you have difficulty breathing when you are anxious, angry, or in pain.
• If you have a fever along with difficulty breathing.

What could be causing this?

Shortness of breath is not common, but it is common among older people, especially those with Alzheimer's disease. There can be many reasons for this.

• Asthma: This causes the airways that carry air to the lungs to become narrowed. People with asthma often make a 'cheese-cheese' sound when they breathe.
• Stress and Anxiety: Emotions like fear and anger can change your breathing pattern. They can also worsen existing breathing difficulties.
• Respiratory tract infections: Infections of the lungs or respiratory tract (such as bronchitis, COVID-19, or pneumonia) can cause a cough, fever, and phlegm.
• Food Choking: Things like peanuts and uncooked pieces of meat can become stuck in the airway.
• Overweight and lack of exercise: Obese people and those who do not exercise may experience difficulty breathing when doing anything active.
• Pulmonary Embolism: This can cause sudden difficulty breathing. It can also be accompanied by symptoms such as coughing, sharp chest pain, leg pain, and swelling.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): This is a long-term lung disease. It is most common among smokers.
• Pneumothorax: This can cause sudden difficulty breathing and a sharp, stabbing pain in the chest.
• Heart Attack: This can also be accompanied by difficulty breathing and chest pain or a feeling of tightness in the chest.
• Heart Failure: This is when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to the body. Symptoms include swelling of the legs and abdomen, and coughing.
• Severe allergy (Anaphylaxis): This can cause difficulty breathing, as well as hives, itching, and swelling.

Some simple breathing exercises

Controlled breathing is a way to help your lungs get as much air as possible. Follow these steps to help your loved one do this.

1. Sit upright: First, sit him upright in a chair. This will make it easier for air to enter and exit his lungs.

2. How to breathe: Ask them to take a slow breath in through their nose. Then, purse their lips (as if pressing their upper and lower lips together) and slowly exhale. Ask them to exhale until all the air in their lungs is gone. If possible, take twice as long to exhale as it took to inhale .

3. Place your hands: Ask them to place one hand on their chest and the other on their stomach. When they breathe in, the hand on their stomach should rise higher than the hand on their chest. This will help the diaphragm, a large muscle located under the lungs, to open the lungs fully.

4. Practice: If possible, have them practice this exercise several times a day when they are relaxed. That way, they will know how to do it when they are having trouble breathing.

How to manage breathing difficulties?

For asthma

If your loved one has asthma, keep them away from things like cigarette smoke, perfume, dust, animal dander, mold, and pollen. Make sure they use the medication or inhaler prescribed by their doctor.

Discomfort caused by anger and anxiety

These feelings can cause difficulty breathing, and difficulty breathing can cause these feelings. Depending on the situation, you can try different things to make them comfortable.

If you feel like you're having trouble breathing because you're angry or upset:

• Speak calmly and comfort them. If they are willing, hold their hand or put a hand on their shoulder.
• Distract them by letting them do something they like, giving them their favorite food, or playing a favorite song.
• If they get more upset, give them some time and try again in a few minutes.

If you feel angry or upset due to difficulty breathing:

• Speak calmly. Touch gently if possible.
• Move him to a position that makes it easier to breathe.
• If they are not uncomfortable, have a fan blow air on their faces.
• Try breathing exercises. If they don't understand the instructions, don't try to explain. Just distract them.
• If breathing difficulty increases or they appear unwell, call the doctor immediately.

Breathing difficulties during daily activities

Sometimes, even doing things like bathing, going to the toilet, or changing clothes can make breathing more difficult. Here are some things you can do to help them during these times:

• Don't work continuously, break it into small chunks and give yourself a break in between.
• Give them simple, one- or two-step instructions so that the task doesn't feel like a big burden.
• Use assistive devices, such as using a walker or a bath stool when bathing.
• Give yourself the opportunity to go to the bathroom regularly so you don't have to rush to the bathroom.
• Place chairs around the house so they can stop and catch their breath if they feel tired.

How to prevent breathing difficulties?

There are several things you can do to help your loved one avoid having difficulty breathing.

• Keep him away from sudden temperature changes, air pollution, pollen, cigarette smoke, chemical odors, and dust.
• Instead of three large meals a day, offer five or six small meals . Remind them to eat slowly.
• Reduce foods that cause gas , such as onions, cabbage, beans, fizzy drinks like soda, and spicy foods.
• Give plenty of water and a diet high in fiber. This can help prevent constipation.
• Keep him away from strenuous activities for an hour after eating.
• Exercise can help relieve some breathing difficulties. But before starting exercise, ask your doctor what kind of exercise is appropriate for you.
• Ask your doctor about influenza (flu) and pneumonia vaccines.

Alzheimer's, shortness of breath, respiratory disease, elderly care, emergency care, asthma, COPD