Types of Thyroid Disease in Elderly Adults
Thyroid disease affects millions of Americans each year and elderly women have the highest risk. When the disease is caught early and treated, it’s possible to manage the symptoms quite successfully. However, if thyroid disease does not get the medical attention it needs, it could lead to serious health issues with elderly adults.
Home Care Services in Haverford PA: Thyroid Disease in Elderly Adults
Basics of Thyroid Disease
Many family caregivers and senior care providers are not sure what thyroid disease is or how it can affect the lives of aging adults. A small gland near the throat, the thyroid pumps hormones into the body that regulate a person’s metabolic rate. Part of the endocrine system, the thyroid is a key part in helping the body convert food to energy and how that energy is used. Thyroid disease means that the thyroid is not doing its job and can lead to serious health issues if not treated.
Family caregivers and senior care providers should be on the lookout for the many symptoms that are present when an elderly adult has thyroid disease. They should definitely not ignore the warning signs, because if the disease is not treated, the aging adult could encounter even more serious health problems. When treated, seniors with thyroid disease can manage the symptoms and live a long and good life with support from the family caregiver and the senior care provider. There are two main types of thyroid disease: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
Hypothyroidism
One type of thyroid disease is hypothyroidism. When the thyroid is underactive, or not producing enough of the necessary hormones, it’s known as hypothyroidism. It may be triggered by some autoimmune disease, or as a side effect of some medication. An elderly person with hypothyroidism may not display any symptoms, but some of the most common symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, aching muscles, pale skin, lack of focus, puffy or swollen face and constipation.
Treating the symptoms of hypothyroidism means taking a synthetic hormone supplement and monitoring food intake. A healthy diet, exercise, and restful sleep can also affect how well an aging adult copes with hypothyroidism. Family caregivers and senior care providers can assist the aging adult in following their treatment regimen for hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism
Another type of thyroid disease is hyperthyroidism. This occurs when the thyroid overproduces hormones, flooding the body with too much. An overactive thyroid can be caused by too much iodine, certain diseases and as a side effect of some medications. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include a rapid heart rate, tremors, weight loss, fatigue, sweating, digestive issues, and jitters.
When the body produces too many hormones from the thyroid, seniors must take medication to slow it down. Doctors will also give the same advice on a healthy diet, exercise and plenty of sleep to help aging adults control the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Home Care Services in Haverford, PA, please contact the friendly staff at Suma Home Care.
Call today: (484) 206-4544
Ibrahim recently completed a Professional Certificate in Management; He is currently pursuing a Masters in Business Administrations (MBA) at a prestigious university in the UK.
With their passion for helping others and a strong background in customer services and clinical care, Ibrahim and his wife started assisting individuals in their homes.
Since started and operating Suma Home Care in 2010 in the basement of their home, Suma Home Care has provided professionals who work endlessly in providing clients with the highest quality of care, while enabling clients to maintain dignity, comfort and safety in their homes.
Suma Home Care, serves four counties in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Chester, Montgomery and Philadelphia. Ibrahim is firmly connected to his local community and is always looking for ways to give back whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Ibrahim enjoys spending time with his wife and children, travelling and enjoys sports.
Mariama Suma-Keita BSN RN
Born in Sierra Leone west Africa, relocated to America in 1999 from a civil war and settled since in the U.S.A as a Naturalized citizen Graduated from National school of nursing with an associate , and completed BSN in Nursing from Immaculata University graduated with Honor roll Alpha Lambda sigma, After escaping the war served as a refugee nurse in Gambia and Guinea to other displaced refugees before coming to America.
In the states started in Homecare then then transition into hospital, worked in Jefferson hospital as a Registered nurse on Tele and general medsurg floor, also worked in Einstein hospital as an oncology transplant nurse , I realized that I enjoy working with patients so much and believe in quality and compassionate care one at a time dealing with an holistic approach in caring for patients and family in a familiar environment called home , I see the impact and progress when they’re home , it makes them feel relax and progress fast with recovering at home. As a nurse and entrepreneur I understand that dedication to meeting people and families needs is a priority, and able to foster relationships with family and patients that is professional and friendly to help them stay and settled home as a desire.
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