What are the dietary precautions for the elderly during respiratory tract infections?

What are the dietary precautions for the elderly during respiratory tract infections?

Healthy Duchang 2024-02-05 11:01 Jiangxi

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Encourage a natural diet, eat light, easily digestible food, and pay special attention to supplementing high-quality protein. If food intake is restricted, or food intake is reduced by more than 30% compared to usual and lasts for more than 2 days, oral nutritional supplements need to be used under the guidance of a clinical nutritionist.

Acute respiratory infections in the elderly

How should it be handled?

When elderly people at home have acute respiratory infections, the following measures should be taken:

1. Assess symptoms. Observe and record symptoms, including but not limited to fever, cough, difficulty breathing, sore throat, muscle pain, fatigue, etc.

2. Pathogenic detection

It is recommended to conduct nucleic acid or antigen testing for influenza virus, new coronavirus, etc., and to use antiviral drugs for treatment in a timely manner after a clear diagnosis to avoid progression of the disease.

3. Basic care

Make sure older patients get plenty of rest and take in plenty of fluids and nutritious foods. A humidifier or steam may be used to relieve dry airways and cough.

4. Symptomatic treatment

Use antipyretics (such as acetaminophen) and expectorants under the guidance of a doctor.

5. Monitor the condition

Monitor symptoms closely for changes, paying particular attention to difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, changes in mental status, or signs of dehydration, which may be signs of a worsening condition.

6. Seek medical attention promptly

If symptoms are severe or continue to worsen, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. When providing care for an older person at home, you should also consider other chronic diseases and overall health. Each patient's situation is different, and the care plan should be adjusted according to the doctor's advice.