How to Spot the Warning Signs and Symptoms of Pneumonia in Older Adults

Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes inflammation of the air sacs in one or both lungs. When the air sacs fill with fluid or pus, it can cause a cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty in breathing. Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and more. According to research conducted in the U.S, pneumonia has caused nearly 150,000 people to be hospitalized every year.

Pneumonia can be a serious condition in older adults because our immune systems weaken as we age. A recent study highlighted that almost a million adults over the age of 65 or over are hospitalized with pneumonia every year in the U.S. From this, seniors are at a higher risk for health complications and death. Read on to learn more about this serious disease.

How Do Older People Get Pneumonia?

The chances of older people getting pneumonia from a location and the type of germ causing it are high. Here are more ways by which a senior contracts pneumonia:

1. Bacteria

Bacteria are commonly found in the air and can be inhaled by your elderly loved ones unknowingly. These harmful bacteria can negatively affect their immune system.

2. Pneumonia contracted in the community

Community-acquired pneumonia is the most common kind of pneumonia, where your elderly loved ones can acquire this if they go outside a hospital.

3. Viruses

Different viruses that cause colds and flus can also result in pneumonia. For instance, COVID-19 is a lethal virus.

4. Pneumonia acquired in a healthcare center

Your elderly loved ones can acquire this type of pneumonia in a healthcare facility.

5. Pneumonia caused by aspiration

If your elderly loved ones have a swallowing disorder, they are susceptible to this type of pneumonia. This happens because they can inhale things like food, saliva, or vomit in their lungs.

Symptoms of Pneumonia in Older Adults

The symptoms of pneumonia in adults can range from mild to severe. Some of the pneumonia symptoms in the elderly include:

• Weakness or unsteadiness
• Don’t have a fever but is lower than normal temperature
• Have delirium or confusion
• Have a change in the ability to perform daily activities
• Urinary incontinence
• Lack of appetite
• Existing health conditions worsen

Warning Signs of Pneumonia in Older Adults

• Chest pain while breathing or coughing
• Coughing that produces phlegm
• Fatigue
• Fever, perspiration, and shivering chills
• Body temperature is lower than average
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Breathing problems
• Confusion
• Headache
• Appetite loss, low energy, and lethargy
• Muscle pains and tight joints
• Sweating
• Compromised immune system or have an underlying health issue

Signs that Can be Confused with Pneumonia in Older Adults

Warning signs of pneumonia can sometimes be confused with other diseases and conditions. Here are some of the signs that can be confused with pneumonia in seniors:

• Phlegmy cough
• High fever
• Tiredness
• Weakness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Lower body temperature

Caring for Your Elderly Loved Ones

Pneumonia is among the highest rates of readmission among chronic illnesses. However, there are a few things you can do to take care of your elderly loved ones with pneumonia, such as:

#1. Make sure your loved one drinks enough fluids and rests to conserve their strength for recovery. Fluids help loosen secretions and allow the patient to cough up phlegm.

#2. Help your elderly loved one to consume foods such as lentils or chicken soup that will support him/her to build up strength.

#3. Don’t let your senior loved ones do any kind of chores until he/she has recovered.

#4. Manage your elderlies medications, try giving them aspirin or acetaminophen to treat their fever. Make sure to wash your hands before preparing your senior’s food or interacting with them physically.

#5. Don’t let any visitors with colds or coughs interact with your loved ones.

#6. Try to prop your elderly loved ones up in the bed to see if it can help their breathing.

It can take quite some time for your elderly loved ones to recover from pneumonia, and it is highly advised that you take proper care of them. In case you don’t know what to do or have a hard time taking care of them, you can contact a professional caregiver. They are trained to provide in-home care to your loved ones till they are completely healed.

Are you interested in in-home senior care and how it can help your elderly ones with pneumonia? If so, contact us at Home Care Partner. Our caregivers provide the needed assistance to help you and your loved ones to the best we can.