Pneumonia in the elderly can be severe enough to cause bloodstream infections and death.

Browse By

In addition to common diseases in the elderly, lung infections or pneumonia are also a danger that often occurs, especially during the change of seasons. If there is no prevention or proper treatment, it can be serious enough to cause a blood infection, which eventually leads to death.

Pneumonia or lung infection in the elderly is an infectious disease of the respiratory system. It may be infected with a virus or bacteria, which is often simply called “pneumonia”. The incubation period of pneumonia depends on the pathogen. It may take 1-3 days. The elderly often have initial symptoms similar to the flu, high fever, cough, sore throat, phlegm. เว็บพนันออนไลน์ UFABET สมัครง่าย โปรโมชั่นมากมาย Symptoms may be more severe when chest pain and shortness of breath start. If it lasts more than 2-3 days without the fever reducing, you should see a doctor immediately for diagnosis and treatment.

According to data from the Bureau of Epidemiology, Department of Disease Control, in 2018, there were 131,247 pneumonia patients, 96 deaths, with the age group 65 years and older being the age group with the most patients.

Causes of pneumonia in the elderly

Pneumonia in the elderly is mostly caused by infection through the respiratory system. Causing inflammation of the lungs, resulting in the inability to exchange air normally.

It is often found as a continuation of influenza. Pneumonia infection can occur at any age, with varying degrees of severity. Patients over 65 years of age have low resistance to the disease, and are therefore at the greatest risk of severe disease, even death.

Pneumonia

  • High fever, fatigue, cough
  • Phlegm accompanied by nausea
  • vomit 
  • Difficulty breathing, chest pain 

Especially when elderly patients start to feel confused or lethargic even though their fever has gone down, they should see a doctor immediately.

Complications of pneumonia in the elderly

For elderly patients with underlying diseases, they may be more susceptible to severe infections than normal people. Therefore, if a family member has the flu. The elderly should be isolated for safety, as they may be infected with the virus and even develop pneumonia.

In addition, the elderly also have low immunity due to the general deterioration of the body, especially the elderly with underlying diseases such as diabetes, kidney failure, heart disease, fatty liver, and immune deficiency. Therefore, they are at high risk of complications from pneumonia, such as respiratory failure or, most dangerously, bloodstream infections, which can cause death.

Prevention of pneumonia in the elderly

  • Eat healthy food, use serving spoons, avoid spicy and high-fat foods, drink enough water and rest, and exercise regularly.
  • Avoid being near people who have colds or flu.
  • Avoid contact with sick people and avoid sharing personal items with others.
  • Reduce going out to crowded places during cold or flu outbreaks.
  • Get vaccinated against influenza every year because the virus is constantly mutating. The effectiveness of the vaccine can prevent influenza by about 70-80%. It should be vaccinated before the rainy season around May-June, which is the period when influenza is prevalent.
  • Get vaccinated against the bacteria that cause bacterial pneumonia.