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Tips to Prevent Infections in Bedridden Patients



People can get bedridden because of some serious illness, injury, until they recover. Being bedridden and immobilized can lead to other health problems due to lack of activity for long periods. These complications are easier to prevent than to treat. Thus it is of utmost importance to caregiver to know how to avoid such complications and if they occur how to manage them. Lack of activity and immobility leads to impaired blood circulation which may gives rise to many health risks for bedridden patients. 

Commonest worries for such patients can be:

  •     Bedsores/pressure ulcers.
  •         Pneumonia or pulmonary congestion.
  •         Spinal column pressure.
  •         Sleep problems.
  •         Loss of appetite.
  •         Depression.
  •         Musculoskeletal weakness (especially in arms and legs).

Bedsores/pressure ulcers: The most common health risk to bedridden patient is development of bedsores. Sitting or lying in same position for long duration exerts constant pressure on certain areas of body which impairs the blood flow to such spots. Due to increased friction and reduced blood supply, the flesh in these areas die and they take up the form of sores. These lesions can become very deep and can even infect the surrounding bone and muscle, if not properly cared for.

Using water/air beds that offer minimum resistance and improved aeration to skin or by using alternating pressure mattress that provides periodic automatic gentle turning to the patient, these pressure sores can be prevented.

Pneumonia/pulmonary congestion: Prolonged confinement to bed and inability to move can make such patients prone to other serious life threatening conditions such as pulmonary congestion also. Due to immobility for long periods of time, pulmonary secretions can build up in the chest and can lead to pulmonary congestion. Elderly people because of weakened immune system may become susceptible to pneumonia also. So it becomes very important for the caregivers to closely watch for any signs and symptoms to help reduce the risk of pneumonia in such patients.

Spinal column pressure: Remaining in one position for long period of time exerts constant pressure on spinal column, which can cause back pain. The gentle turning of patient periodically will help in relieving back pain and preventing pulmonary congestion and pressure sores as well.

Sleep problems: Sleep problems are very common in such patients. Inability to move makes the body stiff and if they are uncomfortable in sleep, they continue to remain in that uncomfortable position resulting in disrupted sleep. Either the caregiver should move their loved ones periodically or they can opt for air pressure mattress which will gently turn the patient on a periodic basis to ensure peaceful sleep. This will improve the patient’s comfort and overall physical and emotional well being of the patient as well.

Loss of appetite: Lack of movement and stimulation may lead to loss of appetite. Caregiver can help to prevent the patient from losing interest in food by giving them variety in food. By providing them constant stimulation in terms of activities such as light exercises, music, reading, watching television, puzzles, conversation etc. will help improve the appetite.

Depression: Being bedridden may impact person’s social activities which can become a cause for depression. Caregiver plays a vital role in patient’s life. Caregiver should take care of person’s physical, emotional and social needs. Caregiver can help prevent depression by arranging social activities and interactions with family and friends, being responsive and supportive towards them.

Musculoskeletal system: Inactivity leads to breakdown of muscles and bones giving rise to fragile bones, stiff joints and abnormal posture. Exercise, either passive (those performed with the help of others) in form of physiotherapy or active (performed on their own) can help prevent stiffness and contractures in muscles. Most common exercises for bedridden patients involve, palm stretch, ankle flexion, arm and leg lift which will also improve blood circulation, thus help in prevention of bedsores, pneumonia and other health risk related to bedridden patients.

Thus infection free, clean and comfortable environment, healthy nutrition, proper personal hygiene and regular exercise can help keep infections at bay and will also improves patient’s overall well being.

Caregiver’s job is highly challenging and demanding. Sometimes caregiver is not able to give proper care to the patient, in such situation home nursing care  can be chosen which provides 24-hrs nursing services for homes.

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