In residential settings, five health issues are the leading causes of preventable death among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Known as “the Fatal Five,” these issues are:
- Aspiration
- Dehydration
- Constipation
- Sepsis
- Seizures
Knowing about these Fatal Five medical issues is a critical part of learning how to support a person with an intellectual disability or developmental disability.
Not only medical and direct support professionals but also family members and others caring for a person with disabilities at home must learn about these dangers. Doing so helps mitigate them, and can positively affect individuals’ health, safety, and quality of life.
Understanding and Preventing the Fatal Five Medical Issues
People with IDD often have difficulty communicating discomfort and symptoms. Delayed diagnosis and treatment can result in sometimes, tragic consequences.
Keep reading to learn symptoms to stay alert for when taking care of adults or children with special needs, as well as preventive, proactive strategies against the Fatal Five.
Aspiration
Aspiration occurs when foreign substances like food or liquids enter a person’s airway and lungs.
Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, chest pain, shortness of breath, and fever. In more severe cases, aspiration can lead to difficulty breathing, blue skin color, and a rapid heart rate.
To reduce the risk:
- Ensure individuals sit as upright as possible when eating, for better control and coordination of muscles involved in swallowing.
- Monitor and, as needed, adjust the texture and consistency of food and drinks.
- Cut solid food into smaller, manageable portions.
- Encourage slow and deliberate eating so individuals thoroughly chew food.
- Consider specialized utensils, like angled spoons or cups with a built-in straw, which help control food intake and improve swallowing ability.
Dehydration
Knowing how to support a person with an intellectual or developmental disability includes understanding that they may not always recognize or effectively communicate thirst.
Symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth, sunken eyes, infrequent urination, or lethargy.
To reduce the risk:
- Ensure constant access to water and encourage regular sips throughout the day.
- Use bendable, reusable straws to enhance fluid intake.
- Provide several drink options (as diets permit)—not only plain water but also flavored and fruit-infused water,herbal teas, or healthy smoothies and milkshakes.
- Be sure individuals dress appropriately for the weather. Loose, breathable clothing can help prevent dehydration in the heat. Adequate layering can help maintain hydration in the cold.
Constipation
Constipation can lead to bowel obstruction. Bowel Obstruction is an intestinal blockage. Symptoms of bowel obstruction include severe abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, inability to pass gas, vomiting, and even loud bowel sounds.
To reduce the risk, ensure individuals:
- Maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet high in fiber and nutrients. Excessive intake of processed foods can contribute to constipation.
- Stay hydrated.
- Exercise regularly. Physical activity, even actions as simple as walking and stretching, can aid proper digestion and stimulate bowel movements.
- Follow a regular bathroom routine.
The medication some individuals with IDD require for managing other conditions may cause constipation. Healthcare professionals can suggest alternative medications or advise about using laxatives or stool softeners.
Sepsis
Sepsis is a serious medical condition in which the body’s response to infection causes widespread inflammation, leading to organ dysfunction and potential failure.
Symptoms include high fever or low body temperature, rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, confusion, extreme pain, and an overall feeling of unwellness. If left untreated, sepsis can quickly progress to life-threatening septic shock.
Because people with IDD may have compromised immune systems or difficulty communicating symptoms, they are often more susceptible to infections. To reduce the risk:
- Help individuals wash their hands regularly and use hand sanitizer.
- Regularly sanitize surfaces, bed linens, and other frequently touched objects, minimizing the presence of harmful germs and bacteria.
- Ensure individuals receive all recommended vaccines, including annual covid and flu shots.
Seizures
Seizures are common among individuals with IDD.
Each person with IDD may have unique triggers that lead to seizures. Identify and minimize their exposure to these triggers. Common ones include bright or flashing lights, certain noises, sensory overload, and extreme emotional stress.
To further reduce risk:
- Manage the individual’s medications properly, adhering to the recommended dosage and timing to maximize effectiveness.
- Establish a consistent daily routine to reduce stress and anxiety, both of which can trigger seizures.
- Keep the person’s living space safe and free from potential hazards. Remove sharp objects, secure heavy furniture to walls, install safety gates, and maintain clear pathways to minimize the risk of accidents during a seizure.
The Medical Center at Woods Helps You Reduce Fatal Five Risk
To support a person with an intellectual disability or developmental disability as fully as possible, open and maintain communication with healthcare professionals like the expert team at the Medical Center at Woods.
We’ll help you live with confidence that your loved one is receiving timely, accurate medical treatment. Regular check-ups, screenings, and consultations can help detect and prevent serious health issues, including the Fatal Five medical conditions.
We’ll also provide valuable guidance about lifestyle changes, medication management, and other preventive measures to lower risk.
Our doctors, nurse practitioners, and other professional providers are ready to help you prevent your loved one’s risk of the Fatal Five and to help them experience better health outcomes.
Request an appointment online today, or call us at 215-750-4004.
