What are the complications of long-term bedridden patients

Patients who are bedridden for a long period of time can cause many systemic complications. Common complications include crushing pneumonia, pressure sores, difficulty urinating, urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal distention, constipation, and deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities. In addition, it can lead to muscle atrophy and joint stiffness, as well as anxiety and depression, etc. The care of long-term bedridden patients focuses on prevention. For elderly patients who are bedridden for a long time, the room needs to be ventilated 1-2 times to keep the air fresh. In addition, air beds can be used to keep them clean and tidy so as not to rub the skin. Clinically, patients who are bedridden for a long period of time need to change their bed position at the right time. Diet should avoid spicy, greasy and irritating foods, ensure daily nutritional intake, eat more high-quality protein to enhance physical fitness, eat more fibrous foods, and keep bowel movements smooth. In order to prevent constipation, the patient can also massage the abdomen around the umbilicus clockwise 2-3 times to help intestinal peristalsis, and give laxative drugs if necessary. In addition, air washers can be used for the protruding part of the sacrococcygeal area, and assistance can be given every 1-2 hours to turn over, buckle the back, massage the lower limbs and other parts of the body. Family members can also assist the patient with appropriate physical exercise, which can effectively prevent complications and thus improve the patient’s condition.