Why Elderly People Need Better Respiratory Care?

Aging is a global trend, with some countries experiencing an accelerated shift toward older populations. The health issues of elderly individuals jostle from society and healthcare institutions. Nasal airway obstruction (NAO) is a commonly overlooked condition with far-reaching impacts. It can affect their life and even lead to severe health complications.

As the immune system declines with age, nasal issues are more likely to progress into chronic or complex diseases, exacerbating breathing difficulties. 30%-40% of people aged 65 and older suffer from varying degrees of nasal airway obstruction, with the percentage rising to as high as 50% in those over 80, according to the research.  In this article, Bever Medical shares information on respiratory care for the elderly, helping raise awareness about their respiratory health. 

Nasal Airway Obstruction (NAO)  

Nasal airway obstruction is the restriction of airflow caused by a narrowed or blocked nasal passage. Its causes are varied, including abnormal nasal structures, chronic rhinitis and sinusitis, and tissue aging. For elderly individuals, structural abnormalities in the nasal cavity are one of the primary reasons for NAO. Additionally, untreated inflammation can lead to mucosal overgrowth and further airway narrowing over time.  
 
 

Key Impacts of NAO on the Elderly  

1. Decreased Sleep Quality  

NAO often results in breathing difficulties at night, leading to snoring or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Persistent sleep problems can cause cognitive decline, emotional issues, and increased risks of cardiovascular diseases in the elderly.  

2. Reduced Quality of Life  

Prolonged mouth breathing due to NAO can lead to throat discomfort, dry mouth, and difficulties in verbal communication, which may further affect social interactions and mental well-being.  

3. Systemic Health Issues  

NAO is closely linked to systemic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and strokes. This highlights the importance of early diagnosis and effective treatment.  
  

Growing Demand for Medical Devices in Elderly Care  

With the aging of societies worldwide, there is a rapidly growing demand for respiratory care medical devices among the elderly. This demand spans both individual consumers and institutional buyers such as healthcare facilities and nursing homes.  

1. Nasal Dilators  

Function: Mechanically expand the nasal passage to improve airflow.  

Advantages: Non-invasive, easy to use, suitable for patients with mild to moderate NAO.  

Target Market: Home users and community healthcare centers.

2. Nasal Stents  

Function: Support the internal structure of the nasal cavity, helping patients restore normal airflow.  

Advantages: Stable long-term effects, ideal for chronic nasal narrowing patients.  

Target Market: Nursing homes and rehabilitation centers.  

3. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Devices  

Function: Provide continuous positive airflow to keep airways open.  

Advantages: Highly effective for severe NAO and OSA patients.  

Target Market: Hospitals, specialized medical institutions, and senior care centers.   

4. Integrated Nasal Care Devices  

Function: Smart devices combine functions such as cleaning, ventilation, and disinfection.  

Advantages: Easy to operate, particularly suitable for elderly individuals and caregivers.  

Target Market: Premium retirement communities and private medical clinics.  

Where Are These Nasal Airway Products Needed?  

1. Medical Institutions  

Hospitals play a vital role in diagnosing and treating NAO, with a high demand for efficient diagnostic and treatment equipment, including nasal endoscopes, CPAP devices, and post-operative recovery stents. 
 

2. Nursing Homes  

With the rising quality of care, nursing homes increasingly recognize the importance of improving the respiratory health of elderly residents. Portable nasal devices and long-term care tools are becoming new procurement trends. 
 

3. Care Centers  

Community care centers prioritize cost-effectiveness and portability, favoring non-invasive devices like nasal dilators and simple ventilation tools to meet short-term treatment needs.   

Where to Buy Nasal Airway Products?

Bever Medical offers a wide range of nasal airway products, including airway management and respiratory care products, to help elderly patients recover normal breathing at different stages of NAO. We also support OE solutions to meet the special needs of elderly patients. Our products are safe, reliable, and meet international standards, making them ideal for bulk purchases by healthcare institutions and care centers. For more, please browse Bever Medical.  
  

Conclusion 

Nasal airway obstruction is a significant health issue for elderly individuals and an urgent challenge for the medical industry. With advanced medical devices and precise solutions, we can significantly improve the respiratory health and quality of life of the elderly.  

If you are a medical institution, nursing home, or care center looking for effective nasal airway care products, Bever Medical provides comprehensive solutions. Contact us today to explore more about our safe and reliable nasal airway products!