After effects of pneumonia in elderly full#

It causes the air sacs in the lungs to fill up with fluid, leading to coughing, a fever, chills, and trouble breathing. To learn more, contact us today.Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by bacteria, fungi or a virus. Continue to eat a balanced diet and exercise regularlyĪre you concerned about an older loved one contracting pneumonia? The medical professionals at West Hartford Health & Rehabilitation Center can offer guidance and provide additional resources.Avoid behaviors that could weaken your immune system, including smoking.Practice good hygiene, including washing your hands and wiping down surfaces.Older adults are more likely to develop the condition from bacteria streptococcus pneumoniae and haemophilus influenzae, as well as common respiratory viruses like the flu. Aspiration: Due to muscle weakness, older adults have a higher risk for developing pneumonia when outside particles and fluid enter the lungs.This includes senior care settings and family gatherings. Community-Acquired Pneumonia: In a large group of people, you have a higher risk of contracting pneumonia.Healthcare Settings: Older adults have a higher risk of getting pneumonia here, compared to other age groups.However, specific scenarios apply to older adults: Where and How Seniors May Contract Pneumoniaīeing around people increases your risk of contracting pneumonia. A urinary tract infection, as bacteria from the lungs can gather in the kidneys, bladder or urethra.Organ damage from a lack of oxygen circulating throughout the body, in conjunction with pre-existing conditions.Acute respiratory distress syndrome, which can lead to respiratory failure.Pleurisy, inflammation of the membrane surrounding the lungs.Bacteremia, an infection that starts in the lungs and can spread to other organs.Pneumonia Complications for SeniorsĪs the body has a hard time fighting off pneumonia, older adults can quickly develop severe, potentially fatal complications, including:

After effects of pneumonia in elderly full#

Due to the high risk for complications, you’re advised to take the full course of each medication, rather than stopping when symptoms appear to improve. Once a senior is diagnosed with pneumonia, they may be given antibiotics, cough medicine or a pain reliever, along with oxygen therapy or another breathing treatment. Yet because symptoms can quickly become aggressive, you’re encouraged to get medical attention as soon as possible. In older adults, pneumonia may be misdiagnosed as something less severe. Older adults may display some of the classic signs, including: Recent surgery that has consumed the body’s resources for healingĪnother concern, pneumonia symptoms can present differently in seniors.Chronic health conditions increase an older adult’s chances of contracting pneumonia.

A weaker immune system that can no longer fight off infection like it used to.

Muscle weakness and frailty, which can make coughing a challenge.

Seniors also have decreased muscle mass and may live with conditions like COPD, asthma, heart disease and diabetes.įactors posing complications for seniors who contract pneumonia include: The aging body has to work harder to fight off infection. Why Are Older Adults More Vulnerable to Pneumonia? Each year, an estimated one million older adults are hospitalized with pneumonia or related complications. Although pneumonia can affect people of all ages, children younger than 2 and adults over 65 are the most vulnerable.įor seniors, age-related changes, a weakened immune system and pre-existing conditions can affect lung function and how oxygen circulates in the body. The condition typically causes breathing issues, coughing, fever and chills. Pus may form, reducing the amount of oxygen flowing through the blood. Pneumonia is a respiratory infection that inflames the air sacs lining the lungs.