Seniors are generally at higher risk for complications and death from pneumonia due to weakened immune systems. However, risk factors vary from person to person. If you suspect your elderly loved one has pneumonia, see a doctor right away. It’s also important to make sure your loved one gets the care they need during their recovery process to avoid relapse. Look into home care so a professional caregiver can oversee your loved one’s care at home if you can’t. Learn how to identify this severe respiratory infection, how it’s treated, and how to prevent it.
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How serious is pneumonia in the elderly?
Pneumonia is very serious in the elderly, with complications that can lead to hospitalization and even death. Pneumonia in seniors can rapidly become so severe that medical doctors can do very little except put the patient in palliative or hospice care.
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Can pneumonia be fatal in elderly adults?
Seniors 65 and over are at an increased risk of death from pneumonia, especially if they have preexisting health problems. If a senior has chronic health conditions, like heart or kidney disease, pneumonia can progress rapidly and become increasingly difficult to treat. In extreme cases, doctors might discontinue all treatment and put the senior on hospice.
It’s suspected that the following health conditions and factors increase the risk of death from pneumonia in adults over 65:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Sickle cell disease
- A weakened immune system
- Chemotherapy or long-term drug or steroid usage
- Difficulty swallowing
- Dementia, Parkinson’s disease, or other health issues
- Recent hospitalizations or viral respiratory infections
- Cigarette smoking
- Chronic lung conditions, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
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Causes of pneumonia in the elderly
Pneumonia can be caused by a buildup of bacteria, viruses, or fungi in the lungs. There are several types of bacteria that can cause pneumonia, some typical and some atypical. Any virus that can cause an upper respiratory illness can move into the lungs, causing pneumonia. Fungal pneumonia is more common in people with weakened immune systems or those who have close contact with fungal spores.
Why do elderly adults get pneumonia after a fall?
Frail, elderly people who take a big fall can bruise their lungs, creating a pulmonary contusion (or lung bruise) that can cause inflammation and fluid buildup in the lungs. If this doesn’t heal correctly, it can lead to complications like pneumonia.
Additionally, if a senior was hospitalized after their fall, they may have contracted the infection during their stay. This is known as hospital-acquired pneumonia. If this is the case, it’s important to let their doctor know this history, so they can treat the pneumonia accordingly.
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How to detect pneumonia in elderly adults
Symptoms of pneumonia in the elderly may vary depending on the type of pneumonia and the overall health of the person. While not all of these may be present, the symptoms of pneumonia in seniors may include the following:
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of appetite
- Malaise or fatigue
- Feelings of weakness
- Chills
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Chest pain that feels sharp or stabbing
- Vomiting or nausea
- Fever
- Confusion
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Treatment for seniors with pneumonia
If a senior is unable to care for themselves or has an underlying disease, doctors recommend seniors with pneumonia be treated in a hospital. Doctors treat pneumonia with either antibiotic, antiviral, or antifungal medications, depending on the cause.
Special attention is given to where the infection might’ve been contracted, as that can help the doctor determine the best course of drug treatment to use. Oxygen therapy and other breathing treatments may also be used to help the lungs heal.
At home, you can help your loved one recover from pneumonia by doing the following:
- Encourage them to follow the treatment plan provided by their medical care team.
- Prepare healthy, nutritious meals for seniors.
- Help them stay hydrated by encouraging plenty of fluids.
- Inspire them to do light physical activity, as long as it is allowed in their treatment plan.
- Take deep breaths with them multiple times a day to help with lung strength and immunity.
If you’re unable to help your loved one care for themselves during their pneumonia recovery, it’s a good idea to seek out alternative options for support, such as in-home care or a stay at a senior rehabilitation center.
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How long does it take for seniors to recover from pneumonia?
Pneumonia can take anywhere from two weeks to over a month to recover from, especially if a senior has other chronic health conditions. It’s important to follow a doctor’s treatment plan and take steps to make healthy nutrition and lifestyle choices to aid in healing the body. All of this together will help expedite the recovery process.
How long do the elderly have to stay in the hospital with pneumonia?
Depending on the severity of the pneumonia, the overall health of the patient, and how well they respond to medical treatment, elderly adults might spend anywhere from three to five weeks in a hospital. If the elderly adult has other preexisting conditions that lead to complications in their pneumonia, the patient may need to stay longer. If their condition doesn’t change or declines, the elderly adult may even need to transition to long-term nursing care from the hospital.
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Preventing pneumonia in seniors
Seniors and their caregivers can help prevent pneumonia through a variety of measures, including the following:
- Wash hands frequently.
- Stop smoking and limit exposure to second hand smoke.
- Stay on top of your health conditions and manage any chronic health conditions.
- Stay healthy and eat a nutritious diet, exercise regularly, get enough sun, and prioritize healthy sleep patterns.
- Consider pneumonia vaccinations.
- If there’s a swallowing issue, eat smaller bites and be careful to not accidentally aspirate any food.
- Monitor health following a cold or similar illness, and discuss any lingering symptoms with a doctor.
How often should an elderly adult get the pneumonia vaccine?
Older adults aged 65+ in good health only need to receive the vaccine once for lifelong protection. However, there is more than one type of pneumonia vaccine. The PCV20 and PCV21 are single-dose options, while the PCV15 shot requires a second shot — the PPSV23 — one year after the first. Depending on the senior’s vaccine history, a doctor will explain the best vaccine schedule to follow.
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When to seek medical help
Seniors showing the symptoms of pneumonia listed above should immediately seek medical help, as pneumonia can progress rapidly in seniors. Doctors typically conduct one of the following tests to diagnose pneumonia:
- Taking a blood culture
- Measuring pulse oximetry
- Taking an X-ray or CT scan of the lungs
- A sputum test, which assesses a sample of mucus from the lungs
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How to find help caring for a senior recovering from pneumonia
It can be overwhelming to be your loved one’s caregiver 24/7, especially when they’re recovering from pneumonia. If your loved one is recovering from pneumonia after a hospital stay, consider short-term in-home care options to help them recuperate successfully in the home. Professional in-home caregivers can be there when you can’t to help support your loved one’s specific recovery needs. They can assist with activities of daily living, prepare healthy foods, and make sure medicines, supplements, or breathing treatments are taken on time.
This article originally appeared on APlaceforMom.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
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