Benefits of Home Health Care Services

Chronic bronchitis can cause shortness of breath, persistent coughing, an increased risk for pneumonia and other bacterial lung infections, weakness, and nausea. While some people with chronic bronchitis can tolerate their normal activities with only minor symptoms, others may be profoundly sick and weak, necessitating assistance from a home healthcare provider. Here are some ways a home caregiver can help you cope better with your chronic bronchitis. 

Chest Physical Therapy And Postural Drainage

Your home health care provider can administer chest physical therapy to help loosen thick secretions from your lungs. Once the secretions have been loosened, they will be easier to cough up. If thick mucus is not expectorated from your lungs, bacteria will proliferate, raising the risk of a dangerous respiratory infection.

The home care provider can also assist you with postural drainage positions. Repositioning yourself into certain positions can help drain fluid and mucus out of your lung tissue. This can lower your risk for infection and help you breathe better. If you have mobility problems or pain, the caregiver will support your body while in your postural drainage positions so that you do not become anxious or fearful about losing your balance. 

Breathing Treatments

The home health care provider can also give you your breathing treatments if you are unable to self-administer them. The caregiver, in accordance with your doctor's prescription, will prepare your nebulizer machine with your mucolytic medication and hold it up to your mouth for you as you breathe in the steam.

If you require supplemental oxygen, the healthcare provider can help you with your nasal cannula or mask so that your oxygen can be delivered effectively. In addition, the home caregiver can also monitor you for side effects from your mucolytic medications such as stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting.

If you experience any side effects from your mucus-thinning medications, the caregiver can contact your primary care doctor. If you cannot tolerate the side effects, your doctor may discontinue the mucolytic medication and prescribe a different type of bronchitis medication.

If you have chronic bronchitis, consider the above benefits of hiring a home health care provider. When a professional healthcare provider assists you in the management of your bronchitis, you may cope better with your condition. Also, when your chronic bronchitis is well-managed, you may be less likely to develop bacterial pneumonia, shortness of breath, and weakness as a result of your chronic lung condition.  

For more info, contact a local company like A Nurse's Touch Healthcare Inc.