Did you know adults over 65 are much more susceptible to pneumonia than those who are younger? That’s why it’s important for seniors and those caring for older loved ones to learn how to prevent pneumonia and reduce the chances of hospitalization.
In this pneumonia guide, we’ll review the different types and causes of pneumonia, common signs and symptoms, treatment options, and more.
- What Is Pneumonia?
- Signs and Symptoms of Pneumonia
- How to Treat Pneumonia
- How to Prevent Pneumonia
- FAQs About Pneumonia
What Is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes inflammation in the air sacs. When these sacs become filled with fluid or pus, it leads to symptoms like coughing (often with phlegm), fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. This infection can be viral, bacterial, or fungal.
Although you or your loved one can get pneumonia any time of year, it occurs more often in the fall and winter due to the increased spread of respiratory viruses when people are spending more time together indoors.
Types of Pneumonia
Because pneumonia can be caused by a virus, bacteria, or fungus, there are several different types of pneumonia, including both mild and more severe variations.
Walking Pneumonia
Mycoplasma pneumonia—also called atypical pneumonia or walking pneumonia—is caused by a specific bacteria called Mycoplasma pneumoniae. This type of pneumonia typically doesn’t cause severe symptoms and can be treated with antibiotics and over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
Bacterial Pneumonia
Most often caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, bacterial pneumonia comes on quickly. This type of pneumonia can affect anyone and is usually treated with antibiotics. Those with severe symptoms or weakened immune systems may be hospitalized to manage symptoms and observe response to treatment.
Viral Pneumonia
Viral pneumonia is caused by a virus, similar to the common cold, influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This kind of pneumonia comes on more slowly than bacterial pneumonia and is associated with symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, and wheezing. It commonly resolves on its own with at-home care remedies and doesn’t require specific medical treatment.
Fungal Pneumonia
Fungal pneumonia is a serious lung infection that’s triggered by inhaling airborne fungal spores. Adults over the age of 65 and those with weakened immune systems are at greatest risk of contracting fungal pneumonia, which leads to cough, fever, and chest pain. It can usually be treated successfully with antifungal medications.
Pneumonia Risk Factors
While anyone can contract pneumonia, some are at higher risk than others. People with high risk factors for pneumonia include:
- Over age 65 or under the age of two
- Those with a lung or heart condition
- Those with a neurological condition that makes it hard to swallow
- Smokers
- Pregnant women
- Those with a weakened immune system
- People in the hospital or who live in a long-term care facility
For older adults over the age of 65, there are additional factors that can lead to contracting more severe cases of pneumonia:
- Weakened immune system
- Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, which can make it harder to communicate symptoms accurately and in a timely manner
- Reduced lung capacity
- Community-acquired pneumonia, due to the close proximity of those who may already be infected
Pneumonia vs. Other Respiratory Illnesses
If you or your loved one are have symptoms that include sneezing, coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, fever, and/or general weakness, it could indicate a respiratory illness. However, there are many respiratory illnesses with overlapping symptoms that can make it hard to determine what you or your loved one may be fighting.
Common respiratory illnesses that have similar symptoms to pneumonia include:
Because each illness has a different cause, severity, and treatment approach, it’s wise to reach out to your healthcare provider to get an accurate diagnosis and recommendations for treatment.
Signs and Symptoms of Pneumonia
Typical symptoms of mild pneumonia include:
- Cough (dry or productive)
- Low-grade fever
- Weakness
- Chills
- Headache
- Slightly short of breath
- Mild wheezing
- Reduced appetite (but consuming fluids)
More severe (and possibly emergency) symptoms of pneumonia include:
- Persistent fever above 102 degrees
- Excessive sweatiness and clammy skin
- Extreme weakness
- Severe chills
- Confusion
- Sudden or unusual dizziness
- Loss of appetite and not consuming fluids
- Persistent vomiting
- Very tight chest
- Pain or pressure in chest or abdomen
- Difficulty breathing or shallow breathing
- Severe wheezing
- Bluish coloring of skin, lips, or nails
- Signs of dehydration (smaller urine output, dark urine, extreme thirst)
- Worsening of other medical conditions
- Low oxygen levels (in combination with other symptoms, a rate of 94% or lower may warrant a call to your doctor; this can be assessed with a home pulse oximeter)
If you or your loved one experience any severe pneumonia symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately.
How to Treat Pneumonia
Treatment options for pneumonia can vary based on severity of symptoms, general health, existing chronic conditions, age, and other factors.
Treatment for Mild Pneumonia
Mild cases of pneumonia can be treated at home without medication. Some at-home natural remedies that can ease pneumonia symptoms include:
- Consume plenty of fluids or foods with high water content
- Get ample sleep and reduce physical activity
- Rest propped up to help reduce coughing
- Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for aches and pains (if not prohibited by other medical issues)
- Take cough medicine with an expectorant (i.e., ingredient that thins mucus, making it easier to expel from the lungs); be sure to ask your doctor if this will interfere with other medications before taking
- Drink peppermint or eucalyptus tea to ease symptoms of a sore throat or ginger tea to reduce nausea
- Use a humidifier
Treatment for More Severe Pneumonia
If you or your loved one have more severe symptoms that require more advanced at-home care—but symptoms aren’t severe enough for hospitalization—additional treatments may include:
- Take an antibiotic, antiviral, or antifungal medication prescribed by your healthcare provider.
- If oxygen is prescribed, use as directed
- If breathing treatments are ordered, complete them for the duration listed
Treatment for Pneumonia that Requires Hospitalization
Because severe pneumonia can become dangerous or lethal—especially for those who are older or have other medical concerns—you or your loved one may need to be hospitalized for pneumonia. This may include:
- Broad spectrum drugs given intravenously (by IV) until determining if your pneumonia is bacterial, viral, or fungal; more precise medication will then be prescribed
- IV fluids to address any dehydration and/or deliver other needed medications
- Fever reducers or bronchodilators, if needed
- Oxygen therapy to increase blood oxygen levels with a nasal cannula or oxygen mask
- Other breathing treatments
How to Prevent Pneumonia
Fortunately, with the proper medical attention, pneumonia can be successfully treated, and these complications can be avoided. That said, taking preventive measures is also a good way to remain healthy and avoid pneumonia. While you cannot completely eliminate the risk of pneumonia for an older person, there are some things that can be done to help prevent it.
Maintain Good Health Hygiene
Wash hands frequently and encourage loved ones to do the same. If hand washing is not possible, use hand sanitizer to help prevent the spread of illness.
Recognize the Symptoms
Because it may be difficult to recognize symptoms of pneumonia in an older adult with pre-existing conditions, be vigilant about noticing changes in your health or your loved one’s health so that you’ll know when to seek medical care from a doctor.
Promote a Healthy Lifestyle
Maintain a strong immune system with plenty of rest, reduced stress, a nutritious diet, age-appropriate exercise, and strong emotional connections. When gathering in places with large groups of people, consider wearing a mask.
Encourage Annual Vaccines
There can be confusion surrounding which vaccines are necessary each year, your doctor can advise the best approach for you or your loved one. Typically, seniors should receive an annual flu and COVID-19 vaccine, along with periodic pneumonia and RSV shots.
Avoid Smoking
Quitting smoking can provide a wide range of health benefits. In addition, it can be wise to steer clear of places where you or your loved one may be exposed to a significant amount of second-hand smoke.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pneumonia
Is pneumonia contagious?
Pneumonia itself isn’t contagious, but some of the causes of pneumonia are. For example, Streptococcus pneumoniae, which causes bacterial pneumonia, is very contagious and can be spread by touching infected surfaces or through coughing and sneezing. Often, people in hospitals or long-term care facilities contract pneumonia through the spread of bacteria. This is called hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) or healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP).
How long does pneumonia last?
Recovery varies from person to person. If you or your loved one have a mild case of pneumonia, you may start to see improvement in a few days, while some people will have symptoms that linger. If symptoms worsen, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
What complications could you have with pneumonia?
There are several different complications that can occur with pneumonia, which is why it’s important to monitor worsening symptoms and seek professional care when necessary. Some complications of pneumonia include:
- Bacteremia, which occurs when a bacterial infection enters the blood stream and spreads to other organs
- A lung abscess (i.e., a cavity filled with fluid that can develop in the lungs)
- Pleurisy, which occurs when the membrane protecting the lungs becomes inflamed and swollen
- Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), a type of respiratory failure resulting from lung injury and requiring a mechanical ventilator and supplemental oxygen
Is the pneumonia vaccine safe for seniors?
Yes, the vaccine is generally safe and effective for seniors, preventing up to 50-70% cases of pneumonia. Each person’s medical situation is unique, so ask your healthcare provider if the pneumococcal vaccine is right for you or your loved one.
What are the side effects of the pneumonia shot?
Comparable to other vaccines, the most common side effects include redness at the injection site, soreness or a feeling of warmth in the arm, or a low-grade fever. If you or your loved one experience a more severe reaction to the pneumonia vaccine, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
How BrightStar Care® Helps with Pneumonia Care
Your local BrightStar Care agency is committed to offering A Higher Standard® of care during each visit to you or your loved one’s home. Our nurses and caregivers not only follow standard pneumonia protocols, but they can help keep track of vaccination documentation, assist with vaccine appointments, and provide pneumonia care for children and adults alike.
Whether you’re looking for in-home care services for your loved one or a reliable medical staffing partner for your organization, our experienced local care team members are ready to help. Find a location near you, contact us online, or call (844) 928-5045 to learn more about our passion for caregiving and in-home nursing services.