Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisWhen to Seek CareTreatmentRecoveryFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
When to Seek Care
Treatment
Recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
Older adults are often at higher risk for pneumonia, and the infection may be more severe than it would be for younger people.
This article discusses pneumonia in older adults, including prevention, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment.
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Symptoms of Pneumonia in Older Adults
Despite a serious case of pneumonia, older people—especially those with a weak immune system or other illnesses—may have mildersymptoms.
Older people may not have a fever with pneumonia. Their body temperature is sometimes lower than normal when they are sick. Changes in alertness or mental ability (new or worse confusion) can be a sign of illness or infection in older people.
Classic Symptoms of Pneumonia
Common symptoms of pneumonia may include:
What Causes Pneumonia in the Older Population?
Bacteria, viruses, and fungi cause different types of pneumonia.Aspiration pneumoniais typically caused when food, liquids, or other substances are accidentally introduced into the lungs and cause infection and inflammation.
You can be exposed to the germs that cause pneumonia in your surroundings, or another person can spread the germ that causes a pneumonia infection.
Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP)
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is any pneumonia acquired outside of a hospital.CAP is estimated to cause over 1 million hospital admissions each year.People older than 65 are far more likely to develop CAP than younger people.
Healthcare-Associated Pneumonia (HCAP)
Healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP) is developed during or after a stay in a healthcare facility (hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, etc.). HCAP is typically any pneumonia that occurs 48 hours or more after hospital admission.It is one of the most common healthcare-acquired infections.
Aspiration Pneumonia
Aspiration pneumonia occurs when foreign material, such as food, “goes down the wrong pipe” and ends up in the lung. Any substance can be aspirated, but common types include:
Regardless of the type of pneumonia, it can belife-threatening, especially for older people. The most common cause of death from pneumonia is the inability of the lungs to exchange air, causing respiratory insufficiency andrespiratory failure.
What Germs Cause Pneumonia?
Respiratory viruses can also cause pneumonia, includinginfluenza(flu); SARS-CoV-2, which causesCOVID-19; and rhinoviruses, which cause the common cold.
Diagnosis of Pneumonia in Older People
Older adults may have atypical pneumonia symptoms. Fevers may be less common, and older people may appear confused when they have an infection. Your healthcare provider may use a combination of tests to help determine if you have pneumonia, including:
When to See a Healthcare Provider
It is recommended that people 65 years and older see their healthcare provider for symptoms that might be pneumonia.Contact your healthcare provider if:
EmergencySeek medical care immediately if you have difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, your fingertips or lips develop a blueish color, or you begin coughing up blood.
Emergency
Seek medical care immediately if you have difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, your fingertips or lips develop a blueish color, or you begin coughing up blood.
Treatment of Pneumonia in Older People
Pneumonia treatmentdepends on many factors. Be sure you understand what treatments are recommended for you and why you should complete them.
Medications
Antibiotics, antivirals, andantifungalsare used depending on what kind of pneumonia you’re dealing with. Some antibiotics can be taken at home as oral pills. However, sometimes stronger intravenous (IV) antibiotics are required, and you may need to be admitted to a hospital. Your provider will discuss your options with you.
When taking antibiotics, take all the prescribed doses to prevent developing a drug-resistant infection. Talk with your healthcare provider if you want to or need to stop taking your medication.
Oxygen Therapy
Pneumonia can cause inflammation and increased lung mucus, making it hard for oxygen to enter the blood. If your oxygen levels are low, you may be providedoxygen therapy.
Fluids
Extra fluids may provide benefits such as thinning mucus and helping replace fluids lost through extra breathing or fevers. Despite this general approach, only a few trials have studied fluid intake for people with pneumonia.
Rest
Coughing, getting lower levels of oxygen, and being sick can cause tiredness or fatigue when you have pneumonia. Some people also find it hard to sleep with a respiratory illness.
Heat and Humidity
Be sure to follow instructions for cleaning and disinfecting humidifiers, which can be a source of bacteria, mold, and fungi that may cause additional respiratory infections.
OTC Medications
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications may help with some mild pneumonia symptoms. Check with your medical provider before using any cough medications.Coughing is an important way for the body to clear out the germs causing pneumonia and the mucus that develops.
Recovery from Pneumonia in Older Adults
Recovery from pneumoniavaries from person to person. This is especially true for older adults who tend to have more complications from pneumonia, including decreased physical function.
Complications
About 20% of people with pneumonia will need to be hospitalized.For some people, pneumonia infection can lead to scars and permanent lung damage, even with treatment.
Complications of pneumonia can also include:
How to Prevent Pneumonia in Older Adults
Pneumonia vaccines have been shown to reduce the risk of pneumonia, especially for bacterial varieties.There are different vaccines available. Speak with your healthcare provider about which one or combination may be right for you.
Do You Need the Pneumonia Vaccine?
Handwashing is key to reducing your risk of pneumonia. Quitting smoking and making healthy lifestyle choices may also help prevent it.
How to Prevent Pneumonia
Summary
Pneumonia is a respiratory infection that ranges from mild to severe. Older people may have more significant illnesses and longer-lasting effects than younger people. Treatments for pneumonia are often effective and can include medications, oxygen therapy, fluids, and rest. See your healthcare provider right away if you have pneumonia symptoms.
A Word From Verywell
Pneumonia can be a scary diagnosis, especially for an older person. Pneumonia vaccines help reduce your risk of getting sick. Good hand-washing habits and avoiding ill people may also help you stay healthy. Talk with your healthcare provider about ways to prevent pneumonia, especially as you get older.
Unfortunately,pneumonia can be life-threateningfor some older people. People over age 65 who are hospitalized for pneumonia have a higher risk of death than those hospitalized for other reasons.
Understanding thedying processand signs of impending death may help you know that the end is near. Pneumonia can lead to death in several different ways. Talk with the healthcare team, so you know what to expect.
Pneumonia hasfour stages, which help you understand how your illness progresses. They are congestion, red hepatization, gray hepatization, and resolution.
18 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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