Pneumonia Risks for Elderly Adults
A diagnosis of pneumonia in an elderly adult is quite serious because it can cause them to be sicker than the average adult.
It can also cause their overall health to decline rapidly and it can even be fatal. Family caregivers with an elderly loved one that is susceptible to lung diseases and illnesses need to be especially aware of pneumonia risks.
Caregiver in Centreville VA: Pneumonia Risks for Elderly
When the lungs become inflamed due to a bacteria or virus, it is known as pneumonia.
Fluids fill the lungs which affects how much oxygen can get into the bloodstream. Even though the infection is in the lung, other parts of the body are affected because of this reduced oxygenation. Elderly people are less likely to be able to fight off the infection due to age-related health reasons. That’s why in seniors, pneumonia can trigger decreased blood flow, low blood pressure, kidney failure, meningitis, and bacteremia.
Family caregivers and elder care aides need to know the symptoms of pneumonia in elderly people.
Common symptoms include fever, chills, shortness of breath, cough, fatigue, chest pain and mental confusion. Other symptoms include lethargy, loss of appetite, dizziness, and insomnia. A doctor may hear bubbling sounds in the chest when they listen with a stethoscope. Often, an x-ray or CT scan can confirm the infection and inflammation of the lungs. Because of the reduced effectiveness of an aging adult’s immune system, it is much harder for them to resist the infection and fight it off.
Once the diagnosis of pneumonia is made, the doctor will treat the elderly patient with antiviral or antibiotic medications. The elderly person should also drink plenty of fluids and stick to a healthy diet. Doctors will treat any related health problems that the elderly person develops individually. Often, the doctor wants the elderly adult to stay in the hospital, but if there is a responsible family member or elder care aide, they may be sent home for recovery. If the conditions worsen, they need to be seen by a doctor again.
Family caregivers and elder care assistants need to enact preventative measures so that the elderly adult doesn’t contract pneumonia.
It is usually transmitted through the air or by touching an infected surface. Washing hands and covering the mouth when sneezing are the two most effective ways to stop the spread of pneumonia. The elderly person can also get the pneumococcal vaccine, which can help prevent certain strains from developing. Good health habits like a healthy diet and exercise can also help the body rest the germs that cause pneumonia.
While preventing pneumonia in the elderly is a high priority for family members, they also need to recognize the symptoms if they do develop. When a family member has concerns that their aging relative has developed pneumonia they need to act quickly to intervene and get them the medical attention they require.
Are you or a loved-one considering a Caregiver in Centreville, VA? Please call the caring staff at Medical Professionals On Call today. Contact: 703-273-8818
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Medical Professionals On Call has such a caring, professional staff who are available to step in with whatever level of care necessary for loved ones and to relieve you of that stress.
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