According to the National Institute of Health, between two and three million people develop pneumonia every year and approximately 60,000 die. The mortality rate in the elderly is higher compared to other populations, ranging from 10 to 30 percent of patients infected by pneumonia. An article by The Borgen Project states that India accounts for 20 percent of the deaths worldwide caused by pneumonia. Furthermore, according to the World Health Organisation, one in three deaths in India is caused by pneumonia.
Everyone needs oxygen, nitrogen and other gasses taken in by the lungs to survive. When a person inhales airborne viruses or bacteria, the lungs are compromised by germs which can cause infection such as pneumonia. Pneumonia can affect one or both lungs that causes tiredness, weakness, illness and sometimes fatality.
Health generally declines with age and the immune system weakens making the elderly more vulnerable to bacterial and viral infections such as pneumonia. The respiratory muscle strength declines causing air to become trapped in the lungs which have lost their elasticity. The cough reflex lessens with age and the workings of the mucous and fine hairs within the bronchial tubes are less efficient, increasing the risk of pneumonia in the elderly.
Symptoms of Pneumonia
Adults over the age of 65 often experience fewer symptoms than the younger generation. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, older adults must be on the alert for:
A high fever
Shaking chills
A cough with phlegm, which doesn't improve
Shortness of breath with normal daily activities
Chest pain when you breathe or cough
Feeling suddenly worse after a cold or the flu
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
A body temperature that is lower than normal
A sudden change in mental awareness
Complications of Pneumonia
The risk with milder symptoms in the elderly is that treatment could become delayed and more difficult which could lead to the following complications:
Renal failure
Respiratory failure
Types of pneumonia
Besides bacterial pneumonia caused by bacteria and viral pneumonia caused by viruses specific to the respiratory system, there are other types of pneumonia which can have any of the mentioned causes:
Treatment of pneumonia
Bacterial pneumonia needs antibiotics, while viral pneumonia is treated with plenty of rest, fluids and over the counter medication, which can reduce symptoms if suggested by a doctor. In severe cases, hospitalisation may be necessary for intravenous delivery of fluids, antibiotics, and extra oxygen. The duration of the illness depends on cause, age, and overall health. As the germs that cause pneumonia are contagious, the infection can be spread from person to person. Viruses and bacteria that cause pneumonia can be spread in various ways:
An uncovered cough or sneeze
Shared cups and utensils
Touching a contaminated object and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes
Insufficient washing of hands
Prevention of pneumonia
Regardless of age, the following prevention measures must be used to avoid infection:
Vaccinate - The Center for Disease Control recommends that everyone under the age of two and over the age of 65 be vaccinated. There are pneumonia vaccines that help to defend the body against pneumonia-causing bacteria and influenza vaccines which protect people from the different strains of influenza and further complications that include pneumonia:
Avoid infected patients
Wash hands well and often
Maintain a healthy lifestyle including good diet, exercise and relief from stress
Quit smoking or do not start
Pneumonia is a serious lung infection, especially in the elderly who tend to be at higher risk. Discovering the answers to your questions about pneumonia helps you handle the illness better.
