Pneumonia in elder adults

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. It has the potential to infect one or both lungs. It occurs when the air sacs in the lungs become clogged with bacteria or pus. A variety of bacteria can cause pneumonia. The illness can be severe or mild and manifests differently depending on the person and situation. Pneumonia in people 65 and older can be dangerous due to a higher risk of complications. This is due to the immune system becoming less capable of fighting the disease.

What are the signs and symptoms of pneumonia in older people?

Pneumonia symptoms in the elderly can differ from those in other age groups. 
Pneumonia cause the following symptoms in elders:
●Feel weak or unsteady, increasing the risk of falling
●Body temperature that is lower than normal 
●Confusion and delirium 
●Change in functional status, which is the ability to carry out daily tasks.
●Urinary incontinence
●A lack of appetite
●Experience a deterioration of pre-existing health conditions
Pneumonia can be more difficult to detect in older adults because symptoms are often more subtle and differ from classic pneumonia symptoms. This could lead to a delay in diagnosis and treatment.

What are the most common causes of pneumonia in the elderly?

In general, pneumonia causes can be divided into two categories:

1.Acquired pneumonia

Pneumonia can be contracted from a number of sources, including:

➢Pneumonia in the community (CAP). This type of pneumonia occurs outside a hospital or healthcare facility. CAP is estimated to be the third most cause of hospitalization in people 65 and older.
➢Pneumonia is caused by healthcare. This is pneumonia that you catch while in a hospital. This type of pneumonia may be more common in elderly people who are hospitalized or in a long-term care facility.
➢Pneumonia due to aspiration. This occurs when you inhale substances such as food, saliva, or vomit into your lungs. Older people with swallowing problems are more likely to develop this type of pneumonia.

      2. Pneumonia from the germs/microbes

A variety of germs, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, can cause pneumonia. Bacteria are one of the most common causes of adult pneumonia. The specific germs that cause pneumonia in older adults can differ.
Germs of the following types were more frequently isolated from adults with CAP aged 65 and up:
➢Streptococcus pneumonia is a bacterium.
➢Another type of bacterial respiratory virus is Haemophilus influenzae, which can include viruses that cause colds, the flu, and pneumonia (most recently) COVID-19

Complications of pneumonia

Older adults are more likely to develop pneumonia complications. Here are some examples:
●Pleurisy: An inflammatory condition of the pleura. The two large layers of tissue that separate the lungs from the chest wall are known as the pleura. Pleurisy has the potential to cause respiratory failure.
●Lung abscess: When lung tissue dies and pus forms in the resulting space. This is a rare complication that can occur in people with a history of alcohol abuse or serious illnesses.
●Sepsis: Similar to pneumonia, an infection in the lungs can cause a potentially fatal immune response in other parts of the body.
●A severe form of respiratory failure is known as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Diagnosis of pneumonia?

Your doctor determines whether you have pneumonia by performing a thorough physical examination and reviewing your medical history. Diagnostic tests may also assist your provider in determining which pathogen is causing your illness. These tests that will be carried out could include

●The blood test
Blood tests are performed to confirm and pinpoint the source of the infection.
●X-ray of the chest
A chest X-ray will assist your doctor in diagnosing pneumonia, locating the site of infection, and determining the degree of inflammation.
●Pulse Oximetry 
As pneumonia frequently prevents your lungs from getting enough oxygen into your bloodstream, pulse oximetry measures the levels of oxygen in your blood.
●Sputum examination
A sputum test is used to determine the source of an infection by taking a sample of fluid from your lungs.
●CT scan
If your symptoms are lasting longer than expected, a CT scan may be recommended. The scan will assist your doctor in obtaining a clear image of your lungs.
●Culture of pleural fluid
A needle is used to extract a sample from the pleural space between your ribs.

What is the treatment for pneumonia in the elderly?

Some pneumonia cases in older adults can be treated at home. However, depending on your symptoms and overall health, you may need to be hospitalized. Depending on how sick you are, your doctor will most likely prescribe antibiotics or over-the-counter medications, or they may even recommend a hospital visit for pneumonia treatment. Some of these medications include:
●Bacterial pneumonia antibiotics
●Antiviral therapy for viral pneumonia
●Fungal pneumonia is treated with antifungal medication.
●Over-the-counter medications to reduce fever or ease breathing

If your pneumonia is severe enough to require hospitalization, the following treatments may be recommended:
●Antibiotics
●Fluids through an IV
●Therapy with oxygen
●Ventilator
In severe cases, you may require surgery or a procedure to remove severely damaged parts of your lungs.
To improve outcomes, it is critical that older adults who have had pneumonia treatment pay close attention to the following during their recovery:
●nutrition fluid intake 
●getting enough sleep 
●managing underlying health issues

How to Prevent Pneumonia in Seniors

If you are over the age of 65, you can help prevent pneumonia by doing the following:
●Getting vaccinated against pneumococcal disease. 
This aids in the prevention of S. pneumonia. For adults 65 and older, there are two pneumococcal vaccines available: PPSV23 and PCV13. Inquire with your doctor about which one is best for you. If you have a weakened immune system or chronic lung, kidney, or heart disease, you may be eligible for a pneumonia vaccine/vaccination before the age of 65.
●Getting the flu vaccine every year. 
Pneumonia is a potential flu complication, so get your flu vaccine every year. There is a high-dose flu vaccine designed specifically for adults 65 and older.
●Handwash. 
Hand hygiene can help prevent many different types of infections.
●Smoking should be avoided. 
Smoking harms your lungs and makes it more difficult to fight off respiratory infections.

Making healthy lifestyle decisions Eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep are all beneficial to your overall health and help keep your immune system strong.

Takeaway

Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs caused by viral, bacterial, or fungal infections.

Older adults are more likely to develop severe pneumonia complications. If a person suspects they or an elderly person has pneumonia, they should seek medical attention right away.

Treatment that begins early increases the chances of recovery and lessens the severity of complications.