And The Truth Shall Set You Free... Always

We are marching into the last month of the calendar year momentarily. I do hope everyone’s Thanksgiving was well deserved, being in the company of loved ones and family friends.

Please keep in mind, winter will be here shortly, therefore, make sure if you believe in getting immunized, get you a Flu Shot, your Pneumonia vaccine, and yes, your Covid immunization and a Booster.

The winter months is when society suffers from various respiratory related elements, and some can lead to hospitalization once exacerbated.

Asthma

Asthma seems to exacerbate in cold climate months then in warmer months Those who suffer from asthma please make sure you are utilizing your inhaler daily and use your rescue inhaler as needed or prescribe by your physician.

If you are having and asthma attack frequently, moreso that sends you to the ER/Physician Office, then I would invest having your physician write you a prescription to get a Home Nebulizer with solution.

A Home Nebulizer keeps the ER visits to a minimum, and sometimes after you’ve tried your daily inhaler and your rescue inhaler is just not aiding your symptoms, subsequently, you can make the choice to clear those constricted lungs with a breathing treatment. For a child having an asthma attack, where you are hearing audible wheezing, uncontrollable coughing, SOB (Shortness of Breath) no matter the lateness of the hour please take to the ER immediately.

For an adult make sure you still call the on-call physician, he/she will advise you what is the best plan of care; sometimes you may have to go to the ER for the assistance of a steroid prescription, this seems to apply when most do not have a physician.

I remember my days working in the Emergency Room as a nurse before moving to Trauma/Critical Care, Level III. I can recall we saw many patients, and if only those patients had a physician, some of medical elements they were seen for could have been taken care of with referral to specialist from their own medical doctor.

Therefore, if you do not have a medical doctor or dentist, please seek one.
I say that in contrast to of being a once Critical Care Nurse, I have seen lives taken in a blink of an eye, and it is saddening, no physician listed, which makes it harder for a Medical Examiner to sign a death certification.

If you have kids who suffer from asthma, make sure you get a vaporizer to keep the air moist. If you cannot afford a vaporizer, boil a large pot of hot water to add mist in the air.

The main difference between humidifiers and vaporizers is how they moisturize the air because humidifiers use cold mist or cold-water particles to moisturize the air around them. On the other hand, vaporizers boil water with a substance and generate steam, which moisturizes the air.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Anyone who suffers from COPD, if you smoke, I suggest your stop, that is one of the culprits that aggravates COPD. The symptoms of COPD may include wheezing, chest tightness, and a chronic cough.
 
Sufferers who are affected may tire easily, they are more prone to frequent colds and flu infections and produce excessive mucus or sputum.

If you have COPD, and if it worsens until the point restricted breath intake, seek medical attention fast. Most people when it has gotten to that stage, do require hospitalization, therefore, make sure you get immunizations listed above due to COPD may be considered an underline medical condition. In the meantime, please take medication as prescribed and if you are on oxygen, please make sure you are exposed to second hand smoke.

Emphysema

Emphysema is a disease of the lungs Symptoms of emphysema usually include shortness of breath and sometimes cough and wheezing. Treatment for emphysema may include bronchodilating medications, steroids, antibiotics, and oxygen.

If you are diabetic or have hypertension, make sure you watch your medication for sinus or cough medication, some of these medications, tend to raise your blood pressure.

Just giving you dose of was going around, take care of yourself, and stay warm, and enjoy your holidays...

Why I have your attention, make sure you are stocking up that Armageddon stockpile.

SKC, Interim DON, APRN