LEARNING AIM C: EXAMINE TREATMENT AND SUPPORT FOR SERVICE USERS WITH
PHYSIOLOGICAL DISORDERS
P3: Explain the treatment and support available for service users with different physiological
disorders
P4: Compare the types of carers and care settings for service users with different types of
physiological disorders
M3 Assess the provision of treatment, support and types of care for service users with different types
: of physiological disorders
D2: Justify the potential benefits of different investigations and treatment options for service users
diagnosed with physiological disorders
In this assignment, I will explain the treatment and support available for service users with different
physiological disorders. I will also compare the types of carers and care setting for service users with
different types of physiological disorders. I will moreover be assessing the provision of treatment,
support and types of care for service users with different types of physiological disorders. Finally, I will
be justifying the potential benefits of different investigations and treatment options for service users
diagnosed with physiological disorders.
P3: Explain the treatment and support available for service users with different physiological
disorders
Individuals with physiological disorders require treatment, support or usually both. Medication may be
required and some may need surgery, followed by supportive programmes such as rehabilitation, which
is particularly important after cardiovascular disorders. Complementary therapies may be helpful after
cancer diagnosis or treatment, and many individuals will need advice on changing lifestyles, especially in
regards to stopping smoking, not overindulging in alcohol, and becoming more active. Medication has
been used to treat disorders for thousands of years, starting with natural sources such as plants and
fungi, and now using synthetic drug manufactured by chemists and pharmacologists. There are
antibiotic drugs to combat infection, antihypertensive to reduce blood pressure, diuretics to increase
urine flow and many other types of drugs. Anti-inflammatory drugs can be used to reduce inflammation.
The characteristics of inflammation are redness, swelling (with fluid), warmth and pain. Most anti-
inflammatory drugs work by reducing pain and brands include aspirin, paracetamol and ibuprofen.
Corticosteroids are also useful in reducing inflammation where there is no infection. Drugs must be
taken according to their instructions. If there is no response after 48 hours, service users are advised to
consult their GP. All drugs have side effects and some drugs can become addictive. Rehabilitation
programmes are aimed at allowing service users to regain independent living and can involve
physiotherapy, occupational therapy and psychotherapy. Customised programmes are developed, often
in special departments or centres that may be associated with hospitals. Physiotherapy treats
physiological disorder and injuries using various methods such as exercise, infrared rays, and diathermy,
hydrotherapy, massage and ultrasound techniques. The main role of a physiotherapist is to improve
joint stiffness and muscle strength, although they are also concerned with breathing and post-operative
recovery. Exercise programmes can be active or passive- where the physiotherapist moves the affected
, part to preserve the joint’s range of movement. Surgery is undertaken for many physiological disorders.
In conventional medicine, these therapies are used as an accompaniment to more traditional ways of
treating disorders. Complementary therapies include acupuncture, aromatherapy, reflexology, reiki,
homeopathy and many more. Effectiveness is controversial, but service users are often enthusiastic
about them as they may feel good after therapy. Most doctors are sceptical about complementary
medicine (also called alternative medicine) and a principal reason is that knowledge, investigative tests
and experience leads to a clinical diagnosis, whereas alternative therapists tend to choose treatment
based on the complaints an individual describes. Aromatherapy uses sweet-smelling essential oils
extracted from plants. These are usually massaged into the skin in tiny quantities, or inhaled. The choice
of oils depends on the individual's symptoms. Acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese medicine, in
which needles are inserted at specifically located points on meridian lines (channels in which the life
force, or chi, flows) coursing over the body. It is thought that morphine-like substances, called
endorphins. May be released - hence acupuncture's use in anaesthesia for some procedures, such as in
childbirth and in pain relief. Another possibility is that acupuncture induces a form of hypnosis. As with
aromatherapy, diagnosis is questionable as it relies on pulse examinations. Additionally, practitioners
generally lack traditional Western medical qualifications.
TYPE 2 DIABETES:
Most people need medicine to control their type 2 diabetes. Medicine helps keep blood sugar level as
normal as possible to prevent health problems. They may have to take it for the rest of their lives.
Diabetes usually gets worse over time, so their medicine or dose may need to change. Adjusting their
diet and being active is also necessary to keep their blood sugar level down. Individuals will usually be
offered a medicine called metformin first. Metformin is a medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes, and to
help prevent type 2 diabetes if you're at high risk of developing it. Metformin will lower their blood
sugar levels by improving the way their body handles insulin. Metformin is available on prescription as
tablets and as a liquid that they drink. Metformin works by reducing the amount of sugar their liver
releases into their blood. It also makes their body respond better to insulin. Insulin is the hormone that
controls the level of sugar in their blood. It's best to take metformin with a meal to reduce the side
effects. The most common side effects are feeling and being sick, diarrhoea, stomach ache and low
appetite. Metformin does not cause weight gain, unlike some other diabetes medicines. If their blood
sugar levels are not lower within 3 months, they may need another medicine. Over time, they may need
a combination of medicines. Their GP or diabetes nurse will recommend the medicines most suitable for
them. Insulin is not often used for type 2 diabetes in the early years. It's only needed when other
medicines no longer work. (Type 2 diabetes - Understanding medicine, 2020)
Type 2 diabetes can contribute to eye disorders and blindness, heart disease, stroke, kidney failure,
amputation, and nerve damage. It can affect pregnancy and cause birth defects, as well. About 80
percent of persons with Type 2 diabetes are overweight. Of those, some are severely or morbidly or
obese. For most people who are simply overweight or obese, but not morbidly obese, diet and exercise
are generally the best and safest way to reduce weight and health risks. The risks of bariatric surgery are
thought to outweigh the risk of future medical problems and premature death. However, for men who
are more than 100 pounds overweight or women more than 80 pounds, bariatric or weight-loss surgery
