Complications Of Pneumonia In Elderly Adults
Older adults are at risk for complications of pneumonia, including:
- Bacteremia, a potentially fatal infection that enters the bloodstream from the lungs and can spread to other organs
- Pleurisy, an inflammation of the membrane that covers the lungs . Pleurisy may require surgery or drainage of the infected fluid in the lungs
- Lung abscess, a pus-filled cavity that can develop in the infected lung area
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome , which occurs when pneumonia severely injures the lungs, leading to respiratory failure. ARDS may require the use of a mechanical ventilator to help with breathing
How Can You Care For Yourself At Home
To help with swallowing
- You may need to do exercises to train your muscles to work together to help you swallow. You may also need to learn how to position your body or how to put food in your mouth to be able to swallow better.
- You may need to change the foods you eat. Your doctor may tell you to eat certain foods and liquids to make swallowing easier.
- You may need to change how you prepare foods. For example, you may need to add thickeners to some liquids, or puree certain foods in a blender.
To help with pneumonia
Safety First A Checklist Of Warning Signs Of More Serious Breathing Problems
Its nice that some people may be able to find an easy solution to their shortness of breath, or at least be reassured that its mostly harmless. Unfortunately, more ominous causes of dyspnea are also common, so please always alert your doctor about any difficult breathing. If your doctor cannot find any explanation, and you have none of these red flags, then you can pursue the possibility of muscle knots and weak breathing muscles. Safety first! And second.
- Have you developed other unusual and/or persistent symptoms?
- Do you have a chronic wheeze or cough?
- Are you tired all the time? Do you look pale? These two together are a red flag.
- Do you have a dry, painful cough and your shortness of breath gets worse when you exercise?
- Are your feet and ankles swollen, and is it harder to breathe when you lie down flat?
- Have you worked in or around asbestos, wood dust, industrial fumes or in a coal mine? If so, you probably already understand why youre having trouble!
Any of these factors could be associated with a slow, sneaky onset of a serious condition.
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What Is Pneumonia And Why Can It Be So Deadly
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. It leads to inflammation of the lungs which is filled with fluid or pus. It can range from being mild to severe depending on a persons health and age. Pneumonia can be caused by a variety of germs including bacteria, virus, and fungi. It can become life-threatening and dangerous for people:
Pneumonia can be contracted from different places and can become risky when:
Some symptoms of bacterial pneumonia may include:
Can Pneumonia Cause Confusion In The Elderly
Older individuals: Adults over the age of 65 can feel the same symptoms as adults, Kavanaugh said in an interview. Confusion, amnesia, or a rapid change in mental abilities are all possible side effects of pneumonia. Furthermore, it has been shown to produce a change in the color of mucus coughed up from the respiratory system.
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Is Pneumonia Painful For Elderly
Chest Aches and Pains Chest discomfort is also prevalent with pneumonia, and it may be more obvious in elderly people who are unable to cough effectively. For seniors with pneumonia, the discomfort is sometimes so severe that prescription pain medicine is included in the treatment strategy.
How Serious Is Fluid On The Lungs In Elderly
Fluid in the Lungs: Poor Prognosis in the Elderly While fluid in the lungs is quite common in the elderly, recognizing the underlying reason is critical to achieving a favorable prognosis for this condition. As a result of heart disease, the majority of cases result in death within one year, with the mortality rate for senior patients being around 40%.
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I Get Wet Easily Is It Normal
Kelly7 over a year ago
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wrathofjade80317 over a year ago
jjemb over a year ago
Guest over a year ago
over a year ago
In reply to Kelly7 on 2009-02-18 – click to read
mno over a year ago
over a year ago
Guest over a year ago
As an older guy, I will tell you it is wonderful to have a lady that gets wet easily, even better to be with one that has an orgasm easily. If anyone tries to make you feel bad in any way, please ignore it, this is a blessing. The lady I’m with now is much the same as you describe, I must say it’s wonderful to be with someone that can both experience orgasm easily and many times and very pleasing to the male psyche to know your touch has this effect on your partner.
Amanda mc Givergan over a year ago
Guest over a year ago
dont worry about it. Im a healthy 24 woman n im the same way. and my bf loves it. even before he kisses me, I get very wet. everytime we have sex, he tells me how good it feels when he penetrates me. it makes our sex life even more exciting.
SomebodyThatIUsedToKnow over a year ago
Can I Prevent Pneumonia
The routine vaccinations that most people receive as kids help prevent certain types of pneumonia and other infections. If you have a chronic illness, such as sickle cell disease, you may have received extra vaccinations and disease-preventing antibiotics to help prevent pneumonia and other infections caused by bacteria.
People should get a pneumococcal vaccination if they have diseases that affect their immune system , are 65 years or older, or are in other high-risk groups. Depending on the bugs that are likely to affect them, these people also may get antibiotics to prevent pneumonia, as well as antiviral medicine to prevent or lessen the effects of viral pneumonia.
Doctors recommend that everyone 6 months and older get an annual flu shot. That’s because someone with the flu could then come down with pneumonia. Call your doctor’s office or check your local health department to see when these vaccines are available.
Because pneumonia is often caused by germs, a good way to prevent it is to keep your distance from anyone you know who has pneumonia or other respiratory infections. Use separate drinking glasses and eating utensils wash your hands often with warm, soapy water and avoid touching used tissues and paper towels.
You also can stay strong and help avoid some of the illnesses that might lead to pneumonia by eating as healthily as possible, getting a minimum of 8 to 10 hours of sleep a night, and not smoking.
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When Should You Call For Help
anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You have severe trouble breathing.
or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have a new or higher fever.
- You have new or worse trouble breathing.
- You cough up blood.
- You are dizzy or lightheaded, or you feel like you may faint.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You do not get better as expected.
- You are coughing more deeply or more often.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Pneumonia In Children
The signs and symptoms of pneumonia in children vary from child to child and also depend on your childs age, cause of the infection, and severity of their illness.
Usual symptoms include:
- Cry more than usual. Are restless or more fussy.
Adolescents have the same symptoms as adults, including:
- Cough.
- Difficulty breathing/shortness of breath.
- Chest pain.
Newborns are at greater risk of pneumonia caused by bacteria present in the birth canal. In young children, viruses are the main cause of pneumonia.
Pneumonia caused by bacteria tends to happen suddenly, starting with fever and fast breathing. Symptoms appear more slowly and tend to be less severe when pneumonia is caused by viruses.
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Symptoms Of Chest Infections
Pneumonia is more common in winter and spring. It can strike suddenly or come on slowly over a few days. The symptoms will depend on your age, the cause and severity of the infection, and any other medical problems you may have. Symptoms include:
- Fast or difficult breathing
- Coughing with brown or green-coloured phlegm
- Fever
- Blue colour around the lips
- Stomach pain
- A child may vomit, have diarrhoea and be irritable or lethargic.
Is Pneumonia Contagious
Certain types of pneumonia are contagious . Pneumonia caused by bacteria or viruses can be contagious when the disease-carrying organisms are breathed into your lungs. However, not everyone who is exposed to the germs that cause pneumonia will develop it.
Pneumonia caused by fungi are not contagious. The fungi are in soil, which becomes airborne and inhaled, but it is not spread from person to person.
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When To Call The Doctor
You should call your childs doctor if your child:
- Has trouble breathing or is breathing much faster than usual
- Has a bluish or gray color to the fingernails or lips
- Is older than 6 months and has a fever over 102°F
- Is younger than 6 months and has a temperature over 100.4°F.
- Has a fever for more than a few days after taking antibiotics
When your child should stay home and return to school or childcare
What Other Disease/condition Shares Some Of These Symptoms
Pneumonia is often diagnosed clinically without the utilization of a chest radiograph . If symptoms resolve as expected, a follow-up CXR may not be obtained even if there was an initial CXR at the time of diagnosis. For the child with recurrent chest symptoms, lack of serial CXRs can make distinguishing recurrent from persistent pneumonia challenging.
If the radiographic abnormality is persistent, particularly in a specific area of the lung, a congenital anomaly or airway obstruction is more likely than if the abnormalities come and go and are found in different regions of the lung. Therefore, the evaluation of persistent may be different than for truly recurrent pneumonia.
Common cause of recurrent pneumonia #2: Immunodeficiency. When the infections are limited to the upper and lower airways, the deficiency is usually a B-cell or partial B-cell deficiency. If the recurrent pneumonias are associated with significant infections outside the respiratory tract, the deficiency is usually T-cell or possibly neutrophil dysfunction. A clue that immunodeficiency may be the underlying cause is when the isolated organisms are opportunistic and may not occur in the immunocompetent host. Intravenous immunoglobulin infusion may help minimize the pneumonias if hypogammaglobulinemia is present.
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How Serious Is Pneumonia In Older Adults
Adults 65 and older are more susceptible to pneumonia than younger people are. Seniors with pneumonia are also at increased risk for hospitalization, complications, and death.
Pneumonia in elderly adults can often be serious and progress quickly. In fact, pneumonia is the second leading cause for hospitalization of Medicare beneficiaries, and most of the people who die from pneumonia each year are elderly adults, according to the American Lung Association . The death rate among elderly adults with severe pneumonia is as high as 20%.
Researchers and doctors dont fully understand why pneumonia is more aggressive in seniors. They believe it has to do with the normal aging process, which weakens the immune system and decreases lung function. Older adults also often have other underlying health conditions that can make pneumonia more severe, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , and heart disease.
Poor Diet And Dehydration
Nutrient deficiency can be one of the main reasons its harder for your body to fight off illnesses. Micronutrients, vitamins, and minerals that help your bodys systems perform at an optimal level are essential to having a healthy immune system and helping your body heal faster.
Not drinking enough water can lead to chronic dehydration, which can weaken the effectiveness of your immune system.
Several vitamins can lend a helping hand. Vitamin A, found in colorful vegetables, helps build a robust immune system. Vitamin D, known to help lift your mood, also helps your body regulate the essential antimicrobial proteins that help fight off foreign viruses.
Not drinking enough water can lead to chronic dehydration, which can weaken the effectiveness of your immune system. Strive for at least 64 ounces of pure water per day and reduce soda consumption.
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Lab Tests For Pneumonia
The need for more tests often depends on how severe your symptoms are, your age, and your overall health. In general, the sicker you are, the more tests you may need. This is especially true for older adults and infants. One example of a test you may have is the arterial blood gas test.
Mucus test
If you are very ill, have severe shortness of breath, or have a condition that increases your risk , your doctor may test your mucus. Tests include a Gram stain and a sputum culture.
Rapid urine test
This test can identify some bacteria that cause pneumonia. This can help guide treatment for pneumonia.
HIV test
In people who have impaired immune systems, pneumonia may be caused by other organisms, including some forms of fungi, such as Pneumocystis jiroveci . This fungus often causes pneumonia in people who have AIDS. Some doctors may suggest an HIV test if they think that Pneumocystis jiroveci is causing the pneumonia.
Other lung tests
If you have severe pneumonia, you may need other tests, including tests to check for complications and to find out how well your immune system is working.
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Why Do I Get Sick So Often
Despite the ease with which cold viruses spread, some people seem to be immune while others are always sniffling. Your immune system is a complex mechanism, and several factors can either strengthen it or cause it to be compromised. If youre wondering why you keep getting sick, there can be several things you can do to reduce how often youre ill.
What Other Treatments May Be Recommended
Additional treatments that may be used for pneumonia include:
- Fluids. Its important to make sure that you have adequate fluid intake when youre sick with pneumonia. If youre hospitalized, you may receive fluids by IV.
- Oxygen therapy. If youre hospitalized with pneumonia, oxygen therapy may be used to make sure that youre receiving enough oxygen.
- Rest. Getting plenty of rest can help your body respond to the infection. If you must perform daily activities, try not to overdo it and dont hesitate to ask for help, if necessary.
- Use heat and humidity. Drinking warm beverages or broths and using a humidifier may help to loosen mucus in your throat and chest.
- Over-the-counter medications. These can help ease symptoms like fever and discomfort. Examples include things like acetaminophen , ibuprofen , and naproxen .
with an increased risk of hospitalization and mortality when compared to other age groups. Symptoms can also be atypical and can quickly worsen.
Because of this, seeking prompt medical attention is essential in promoting a positive outlook.
The recovery period for pneumonia can vary based on the severity of your illness. Its possible that your symptoms may get better after a period of days or weeks.
However, in some people, the recovery period may be longer.
In order to improve outcome, its important that older adults whove had pneumonia pay close attention to the following during their recovery period:
- nutrition
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How Can I Tell If I Have Pneumonia Versus The Common Cold Or The Flu
Do I have a cold or could it be the flu or even pneumonia? Its tough to tell the difference but critical to know when to seek medical care
Watch for these ongoing symptoms that occur in pneumonia:
- Serious congestion or chest pain.
- Difficulty breathing.
- A fever of 102 or higher.
- Coughing that produces pus.
Pneumonia symptoms last longer than cold and flu. If your symptoms arent severe, its okay to try such home remedies as getting more rest, drinking more fluids and taking some over-the-counter medicines and see what happens. But if you dont see improvement in your symptoms after three to five days, or if you are experiencing more serious symptoms such as dizziness or severe difficulty breathing, see your healthcare provider. Dont let it go. Pneumonia-like symptoms in very young children or in adults older than 65 are a cause for concern. Also, pneumonia can cause permanent lung damage if left untreated for too long. And always seek immediate care if you experience chest pain or have breathing difficulties.