Worrisome Symptoms in Seniors

National Health Statistics

National Center for Health Statistics reports that 75% of individuals age 65 and over have at least one chronic illness and that about 50% of these individuals have at least two. These illnesses include arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, chronic pulmonary diseases, cancers, bone diseases, central nervous system deficiencies, diabetes, eye disorders and hearing impairment. Knowing about the symptoms of a chronic illnesses whether a person is at home, out shopping, visiting friends or relatives, or traveling, can be lifesaving.

An elderly person may show some change in behavior or appearance or may exhibit some sign that a health problem exists. Family members or guardians should keep in mind that an accurate diagnosis is dependant upon an accurate description of the elder person's condition during discussion with the attending physician.. This site helps the family or guardian learn more about symptoms of specific diseases as an aid in discussions with the senior person's physician.

Symptoms that may indicate life threatening situations:

1) Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the chest may be symptoms of  a heart attack.

2) Dizziness, lightheadedness, general malaise and syncope may be symptoms of a cardiovascular episode, infection or neurological problem.

3) Fever may be a symptom of septic infection, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, meningitis, cellulitis or osteomyelitis.

4) Delirium or depression may be a symptom of congestive heart failure, uremia, dehydration, electrolyte disturbances, untoward drug interactions, transient ischemic attack or stroke.

5) Falling may be a symptom of vertigo, medication problems, cognitive impairment, syncope, vasovagal reactions, cardiac arrhythmias or orthostatic hypotension.

Click on items in the list below to access comprehensive links to symptoms and the diseases that are causing your worry: