Preventive Measures for Elderly People Traveling
After retirement, many elderly people have a leisurely life. They often invite friends and go on group trips to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Not only does this help to relax their minds, but it also allows them to breathe fresh air, which is beneficial for their health. However, factors such as food and water differences, bumpy journeys, and changing weather during the trip can become triggers for sudden illnesses in the elderly.
Below are four common illnesses that elderly people should be aware of and take preventive measures against during their travels.
1. Fainting
Fainting is often caused by fatigue. Patients suddenly lose consciousness, become pale, and sweat profusely.
At this time, it is important not to move the patient arbitrarily. First, observe if the patient's heartbeat and breathing are abnormal. If the heartbeat and breathing are normal, gently tap the patient and call out loudly to wake them up. If there is no response, it indicates a more complicated situation, and immediate medical attention should be sought.
2. Cardiac Asthma
Exhaustion from traveling can trigger or exacerbate acute attacks of cardiac asthma. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Patients should first adopt a semi-recumbent position and use a strip of cloth to alternately tie the patient's three limbs every 5 minutes. This can help alleviate the burden on the heart.
3. Angina Pectoris
Angina pectoris is often caused by fatigue, overeating, emotional stress, or exposure to cold. Therefore, patients with a history of angina pectoris should carry emergency medicine when traveling in autumn.
If angina pectoris occurs, the patient should be sitting up and should not be moved. Nitroglycerin should be administered under the tongue as quickly as possible, and medication such as musk heart pills or sublingual su bing drops should also be taken to relieve the symptoms.
4. Acute Gastroenteritis
Due to unclean food or water during the journey, various acute gastrointestinal diseases are easily induced. If symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and severe abdominal pain occur, companions should immediately take the patient to the nearest hospital for diagnosis and treatment. Vomit and feces should be disinfected according to epidemic prevention requirements to prevent spread and transmission.
