PALLIATIVE CARE

Overview and Facts

Palliative care is a type of medical treatment that focuses on relieving pain and other symptoms of a severe illness, regardless of the diagnosis or stage of the disease. Moreover, palliative care teams work to change patients’ and their families’ quality of life. This type of treatment is provided in addition to any treatments you may be getting.

Furthermore, a team of nurses, other skilled people, and doctors provide palliative care. They work to give you assistance, which complements your current medical care.

Why Is It Done?

People of any age who are suffering from a serious or life-threatening illness may be eligible for palliative treatment. It can help people who are suffering from ailments, such as:

  • Heart disease
  • Dementia
  • Kidney failure
  • Cancer
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Stem cell transplantation for bone marrow and blood disorders
  • Liver disease
  • Lung disease
  • Stroke
  • Parkinson’s disease

Moreover, the following are symptoms that palliative care may improve:

  • Nervousness or anxiety
  • Pain
  • Constipation
  • Vomiting or nausea
  • Sadness or depression
  • Anorexia
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulties in breathing

How Do You Prepare?

The following will assist you in preparing for your first consultation:

  • Bring a note of your medications and supplements.
  • For the appointment, bring your friends or family with you.
  • List down your symptoms beforehand. You should note what causes the symptoms to improve or worsen, as well as whether they interfere with your ability to go about your daily activities.
  • Bring any living wills or advance directives you’ve completed.

What Can You Expect?

Palliative care is a type of treatment that can be given at any point during an illness. Moreover, it assists you in managing symptoms and addressing the issues that are most important to you.

Palliative care services can help patients suffering from serious illnesses improve their quality of life. Some patients may even live longer if they use palliative care services. Furthermore, you should think about palliative care if you have any questions about:

  • Making decisions in line with your personal values and goals
  • What programs and resources are available to support you throughout your illness
  • What to expect with your care plan and how to tailor it to what matters most to you
  • Your treatment options and their pros and cons

Types and Symptoms

TYPES

There are various types of rosacea. These include:

  • Papulopustular rosacea. This type is related to whiteheads with pus and bumps that are red and puffy. It is usually found in your forehead, cheeks, and chin.
  • Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea. It is often identified as the redness found in the face due to the enlargement of the veins underneath the skin.  
  • Ocular rosacea. The indications may infect some of the areas of the face, including the eyes, making them look watery or red.
  • Phymatous rosacea. This type brings discoloration, bumpy and swollen skin. Although this type is uncommon, it can still be treated.

SYMPTOMS

Rosacea includes the following symptoms:

  • Enlarged nose
  • Red and swollen bumps
  • Facial redness
  • Eye problems

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

No particular test is utilized to identify rosacea. However, your primary care physician will depend on the historical backdrop of your manifestations and an assessment of your skin. You may have tests to preclude different conditions, like lupus, psoriasis, or dermatitis. If the indications include your eyes, your physician may refer you to an ophthalmologist for assessment.

TREATMENT

The medication may concentrate in managing the symptoms of this condition. Also, the length of your treatment is according to the seriousness of the condition of your skin. Here are the common treatments often prescribed by the physician.

  • Medications. The medication is determined through the signs and symptoms of the condition that occurs in your skin.  However, it is sometimes challenging to find the perfect medications that work for your skin type. The common medication includes oral acne drug, topical and gels, and oral antibiotics.
  • Therapies. Laser treatment and other light-based treatments may help lessen the redness of augmented veins. Moreover, this treatment needs a second session or more to enhance the affected skin.

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