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What Causes Recurring Cold In An Elderly?
Question: my mother is 84 and I am her full time caretaker. She has a mild case of COPD and emphysema, and her vitals have all come back fine. This includes heart, blood pressure, urine, etc but sleeps a great deal during the day, and says that she feels week which they have determined it is dehydration so I am pumping her with water. Her eating includes breakfast which is toast, melon, and coffee.
she also has been diagnosed with acid reflux and a hyheateral hernia--but I don't believe this would have an effect on her being tired all the time. She is also cold often but doesn't show any other signs of the flu etc.
any thoughts or ideas?
she also has been diagnosed with acid reflux and a hyheateral hernia--but I don't believe this would have an effect on her being tired all the time. She is also cold often but doesn't show any other signs of the flu etc.
any thoughts or ideas?
Brief Answer:
What do you mean by cold? Low body temperatures?
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about this fatigue that your mother is experiencing. If by cold you mean that she is too sensitive to low body temperatures, then am afraid this could actually mean that her thyroid needs to be checked. Was this checked during the last series of exams?
Dehydration is a likely cause of fatigue. Elderly often rely on others for fluids and end up not drinking enough. Make a plan and administer at least 1.5L of fluid daily to make sure that she is drinking enough. Do not wait for her to ask for fluids but actively propose water to her for drinking.
In all, dehydration is a possible cause. If her thyroid was not checked, I suggest we should do so because of dementia, cold temperatures and fatigue. Propose fluids and do not wait for her to ask.
I hope this helps. I wish your mom well. Thanks for using our services and feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
What do you mean by cold? Low body temperatures?
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about this fatigue that your mother is experiencing. If by cold you mean that she is too sensitive to low body temperatures, then am afraid this could actually mean that her thyroid needs to be checked. Was this checked during the last series of exams?
Dehydration is a likely cause of fatigue. Elderly often rely on others for fluids and end up not drinking enough. Make a plan and administer at least 1.5L of fluid daily to make sure that she is drinking enough. Do not wait for her to ask for fluids but actively propose water to her for drinking.
In all, dehydration is a possible cause. If her thyroid was not checked, I suggest we should do so because of dementia, cold temperatures and fatigue. Propose fluids and do not wait for her to ask.
I hope this helps. I wish your mom well. Thanks for using our services and feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I have also spoke to a fiend of mine and he says check the thyroid, which makes sense and I have just asked my mother and her reply was "she always had a thyroid problem. I will get on the telephone now and request the name of the appropriate doctor.
Thank you for your help and assistance!
Thank you for your help and assistance!
Brief Answer:
Keep me posted!
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Keep me posted when you get more information on this.
Until then, I wish you well.
Keep me posted!
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Keep me posted when you get more information on this.
Until then, I wish you well.
Note: Get a consultation booked to know more about aging related medical issues. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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