Commonly Misdiagnosed Illnesses in Seniors

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Various reports indicate that medical errors are on the rise. Physicians making mistakes when diagnosing patients exceeds many other problems plaguing the medical industry. Cancer, depression, heart attacks, strokes, and thyroid disorders are some of the maladies that are often overlooked. When seniors are diagnosed with medical conditions, families should consider getting second opinions. 

Celiac Disease

Registered dietitian Rachel Begun reports that the majority of people diagnosed with this gastrointestinal disorder are misdiagnosed. Celiac disease causes a variety of symptoms that may vary from one person to the next. Common signs of the disorder include abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea, depression, headaches, and joint pain. The disease is often mistaken for irritable bowel syndrome.

There are a variety of age-related health conditions that may make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face may be easier to address if their families opt for professional senior home care. You may rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place.

Fibromyalgia

This disorder may affect people of any age, but fibromyalgia most often affects women who are middle-aged or older. The condition is chronic and typically causes anxiety, generalized fatigue, sleep disturbances, and muscle and joint pain in the same locations on each side of the body. The malady is often mistaken for chronic fatigue syndrome, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis.

Certain age-related conditions may make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but Columbus in-home care experts are available around the clock to help seniors manage their health. Whether your loved one is living with dementia or recovering from a stroke, you may trust the professional caregivers from Assisting Hands Home Care to enhance his or her quality of life. 

Lyme Disease

This disease develops after a tick bite causes a bacterial infection. Some people develop a rash, and other common symptoms include chronic fever, fatigue, and muscle and joint pain along with stiffness. Certain individuals also report cognitive impairment and mood changes. One study claims that people often experience symptoms for more than a year before being properly diagnosed.

Pulmonary Embolism

This serious condition occurs when a blood clot blocks the pulmonary artery or a blood vessel in the lungs. Symptoms often include visible anxiety, sharp chest pains, and difficulty breathing, which may lead to a loss of consciousness. Approximately a third of those with pulmonary embolisms are diagnosed as having pneumonia, heart attacks, or other medical conditions. 

Aortic Dissection

A tear in the aorta allows fast-moving blood to invade the area, which separates the layers of the blood vessel. If not promptly diagnosed and treated, the condition is often fatal. A study performed in 2009 claimed that up to a third of those experiencing the problem are misdiagnosed.

If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of 24 hour home care Columbus families may trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. Call 614-678-5887 today to speak with a friendly and experienced Care Manager to formulate a home care plan for your loved one.