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Pneumonia In Older Adults cause and prevention
Pneumonia in older adults is common, but some forms can be extremely dangerous.
Seniors are especially susceptible and can easily contract pneumonia in nursing home settings, or hospitals
There are a few different types of pneumonia as well as different sets of symptoms.
Often, the elderly display pneumonia symptoms differently than those who are younger.
Pneumonia in the elderly occurs more frequently than in those in younger age brackets. As a result, there are more cases of morbidity and mortality.
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Statics have shown that 85% of pneumonia and influenza deaths occur within the senior citizen age bracket (age 65).
And Just 3% of these deaths took place in those who were age 45 or younger. Those in the 65+ age bracket also accounted for the highest hospitalization rates.
There are several types of pneumonia we will be looking at 2 kinds which affect the elderly most
BACTERIAL PNEUMONIA
Bacterial pneumonia is an infection of your lungs caused by certain bacteria. The most common one is Streptococcus
You have a higher risk of getting bacteria pneumonia if you:
- Are 65 or older
- Have other conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease
- Are recovering from surgery
- Don’t eat right or get enough vitamins and minerals
- Have another condition that weakens your body’s defenses
- Smoke
- Drink too much alcohol
- Have viral pneumonia
Symptoms
The symptoms can come on fast and furious, or they can creep up on you over a few days. Common symptoms are:
- High fever up to 105 F
- Coughing out greenish, yellow, or bloody mucus
- Chills that make you shake
- Feeling like you can’t catch your breath, especially when you move around a lot
- Feeling very tired
- Low appetite
- Sharp or stabby chest pain, especially when you cough or take a deep breath
- Sweating a lot
- Fast breathing and heartbeat
- Lips and fingernails turning blue
- Confusion, especially if you’re older
Prevention
- Wash your hands regularly, especially after you go to the bathroom and before you eat.
- Eat right, with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Exercise.
- Get enough sleep.
- Quit smoking.
- Stay away from sick people, if possible.
VIRAL PNEUMONIA
Viral pneumonia is an infection of your lungs caused by a virus. The most common cause is the flu, but you can also get viral pneumonia from the common cold and other viruses.
. These nasty germs usually stick to the upper part of your respiratory system. But the trouble starts when they get down into your lungs. Then the air sacs in your lungs get infected and inflamed, and they fill up with fluid.
Anything that weakens your body’s defenses (immune system) can raise your chances of getting pneumonia.
You have a higher chance of getting viral pneumonia if you:
- Are 65 or older
- Have chronic (ongoing) conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease
- Are recovering from surgery
- Don’t eat right or get enough vitamins and minerals
- Have another condition that weakens your body’s defenses
- Smoke
- Drink too much alcohol
- Are HIV positive
- Recently had an organ transplant
- Have leukemia, lymphoma, or severe kidney disease
The Symptoms of Viral Pneumonia
Viral pneumonia usually moves in steadily over a few days. On the first day, it feels like the flu, with symptoms like:
- Fever
- Dry cough
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle pain
After a day or so your fever might get worse. You might also feel like you can’t catch your breath. If your lungs are invaded with bacteria, you might also get some of the same symptoms as bacterial pneumonia, like:
- A wet, gunky cough that produces green, yellow, or bloody mucus
- Chills that make you shake
- Fatigue (feeling very tired)
- Low appetite
- Sharp or stabby chest pain, especially when you cough or take a deep breath
- Sweating a lot
- Fast breathing and heartbeat
- Blue lips and fingernails
- Confusion, especially if you’re older
Building Your immune system
As we age it is essential that we take care of ourselves and one of the ways to keep us from getting sick is to build the immune systems.
Many supplements on the market may help improve immune health. Zinc, elderberry, and vitamins C and D Calcium. Magnesium and Potassium are just some of the substances that have been researched for their immune-enhancing potential.
However, although these supplements may offer a small benefit for immune health, they should not and cannot be used as a replacement for a healthy lifestyle.
Maintaining a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, engaging in regular physical activity, and not smoking are some of the most important ways to help keep your immune system healthy and reduce your chances of infection and disease.
If you decide that you want to try a supplement, speak with your healthcare provider first, as some supplements may interact with certain medications or are inappropriate for some people
Thank you for your time hope you found this post informative, please remember to share, and leave your questions and comments, I will reply.
If you have any specific questions about any medical matter, you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare providers”
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