Emergencias comunes en ancianos y cómo prevenirlas efectivamente

Author: Zhang Yue, Reviewer: People's Hospital of Zaokang County

Title: Common Emergencies in the Elderly and How to Effectively Prevent Them

As people age, their bodily functions gradually decline, resulting in reduced resilience in the cardiovascular, respiratory, and digestive systems. This makes the elderly a high-risk group for internal medicine emergencies. Many elderly individuals and their families overlook early warning signs and lack preventive knowledge, causing minor ailments to escalate into emergencies, leading to both suffering and potential life-threatening situations.

Elderly individuals often present medical emergencies with clear early signs. Detecting them in a timely manner and responding appropriately can reduce risks. The following are four common types of emergencies to easily remember based on the characteristics of the elderly population. It is essential for family members to learn about them as well.

I. Acute Myocardial Infarction: the 'number one killer' in emergencies for the elderly.

The elderly are a high-incidence group for myocardial infarction, especially those with a history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and coronary artery disease, which significantly increases their risk. Unlike younger individuals, the symptoms of a heart attack in the elderly are atypical and can be easily overlooked, which is the main reason for treatment delays.

Recognition signals: often present as chest tightness, a feeling of suffocation, and shortness of breath rather than sharp pain, possibly accompanied by dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and cold sweat. Some elderly individuals may experience pain in the jaw or shoulder blades, leading to misinterpretation as 'stomach issues' or 'shoulder inflammation'. If persistent chest tightness or shortness of breath lasts longer than 15 minutes and does not improve with rest, a myocardial infarction should be suspected.

Emergency actions: Have the elderly person sit or lie down to rest quietly; call emergency services and explain that 'an elderly person is experiencing sudden chest tightness, suspected heart attack'; if they have a history of coronary artery disease and have heart medication, they may take it under medical guidance; those without a history should avoid taking medications randomly.

Daily prevention: regularly take medication for blood pressure, lipids, and glucose without self-discontinuation; maintain a light diet low in sodium, oil, and sugar, avoiding overeating; avoid excessive fatigue and intense emotions, ensuring adequate sleep; regularly monitor blood pressure, lipids, and glucose, and have a cardiac check-up once a year.

II. Acute Respiratory Failure: the 'disaster zone' for respiratory emergencies in seniors.

The elderly often experience deterioration in lung function and frequently suffer from chronic diseases like chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Exposure to cold or a cold may lead to an acute episode of respiratory failure, manifesting as difficulty breathing and lack of oxygen. Without timely treatment, it can quickly become life-threatening.

Recognition signals: rapid breathing, chest tightness, bluish lips, feeling of 'not being able to breathe', weak cough, thick sputum that is hard to expel, accompanied by lethargy, drowsiness, or even confusion. Increased caution is needed during winter when such incidents are more common.

Emergency actions: Keep the elderly person in a semi-upright position, unbutton their collar and belt to ensure comfortable breathing; if they have an oxygen device, administer low-flow oxygen immediately; call emergency services and inform them that the senior has a history of chronic respiratory diseases.

Daily prevention: Keep the body warm, avoid catching colds or flu, reduce outings in winter, and ensure proper protection; quit smoking and drinking alcohol, and stay away from irritants like dust and cooking oil smoke; follow medical guidance for managing chronic respiratory diseases and have regular check-ups; engage in gentle walks, tai chi, and other moderate exercises to promote lung function.

III. Acute Stroke: an emergency with a high rate of disability.

Stroke is divided into ischemic (cerebral infarction) and hemorrhagic (cerebral hemorrhage) types. It is more common in the elderly and has a high disability and mortality rate. Early identification and treatment can significantly reduce sequelae.

Recognition signals: Remember the mnemonic '120 for stroke': 1 look (if there is drooping at the corner of the mouth on one side of the face), 2 check (if there is weakness on one side of the body), 0 listen (if speech is slurred or if they do not comprehend what others are saying). If one of these symptoms appears, it could be a stroke, do not delay.

Emergency actions: Have the elderly person lie flat on their back, with their head slightly elevated, remain calm, and avoid moving their head; call emergency services and explain that 'suspected stroke'; if they vomit, turn them on their side to prevent choking on vomit; never give them water or medications to avoid choking or worsening their condition.

Daily prevention: control blood pressure, blood glucose levels, and lipid levels; take medications regularly; follow a light diet, consume more fruits and vegetables, and maintain good bowel function; avoid a sedentary lifestyle and sleepless nights, engage in appropriate exercise; maintain emotional stability and have regular check-ups with CT scans or MRIs of the brain.

IV. Acute Gastroenteritis: a 'minor illness' often overlooked by the elderly.

The elderly have weak digestive functions; an inadequate diet or exposure to cold can lead to acute gastroenteritis. Although it seems like a minor annoyance, severe dehydration can be life-threatening, so elderly individuals in poor physical condition should exercise particular caution.

Recognition signals: abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, with diarrhea primarily of liquid consistency, accompanied by lack of appetite and fatigue. In severe cases, there may be dry mouth, reduced urine output, and poor skin elasticity, indicating signs of dehydration that require immediate treatment.

Emergency actions: Allow the elderly to rest in bed and provide small sips of warm water or water with a little salt to replenish electrolytes; avoid spicy, fatty, or cold foods. They may eat millet porridge, soft noodles, and other easily digestible foods. If there is vomiting or severe diarrhea with signs of dehydration, call emergency services immediately.

Daily prevention: pay attention to food hygiene, do not consume spoiled or cold food, separate raw and cooked foods; wash hands before eating and after using the bathroom; keep the abdomen warm to prevent cold; follow a regular diet, eat small portions frequently, and avoid overeating.

Final warning: The elderly have special health characteristics, and emergency symptoms are often atypical. It is crucial not to adopt a mentality of 'just enduring.' Good daily prevention is important, remember how to identify signals, and in case of sudden discomfort, call emergency services immediately. Do not delay or act without knowledge, as it is essential to protect the health of the elderly and enjoy a peaceful retirement.