Pneumonia impacts millions of people throughout the United States each year, and of those approximately 60,000 will die as a result of the illness. As a family caregiver, it is extremely important to understand elderly adults are not only more likely to contract the illness than younger people, but are more susceptible to the serious complications, including death. Being able to recognize the signs and symptoms of this disease can help your parent to get early detection. As with other illnesses, early detection is key to getting your parent on the course of treatment and management that is right for their needs.
Some of the signs and symptoms of pneumonia to watch out for if your senior has risk factors, or has recently been sick include:
If your aging parent is experiencing these symptoms, it is extremely important to get medical attention. Talk to their doctor about what they are experiencing, especially if they have recently had a cold or flu. Urgent medical attention is especially needed for seniors who have a compromised immune system, are taking medications or undergoing treatments that suppress the immune system, or have had a fever of 102 degrees or higher that has persisted despite normal efforts to lower the fever. If your parent is coughing up pus, is experiencing major changes in mental state, or is having difficulty breathing, it is important to seek out medical treatment as soon as possible.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING SENIOR CARE IN RIVER FOREST, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE LA GRANGE. CALL TODAY: 708-551-2500.
Some of the signs and symptoms of pneumonia to watch out for if your senior has risk factors, or has recently been sick include:
- Chest pain when breathing or coughing
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Sweating
- Shaking chills
- Confusion
- Changes in mental state
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cough, which is likely to produce a thick phlegm
- Shortness of breath
If your aging parent is experiencing these symptoms, it is extremely important to get medical attention. Talk to their doctor about what they are experiencing, especially if they have recently had a cold or flu. Urgent medical attention is especially needed for seniors who have a compromised immune system, are taking medications or undergoing treatments that suppress the immune system, or have had a fever of 102 degrees or higher that has persisted despite normal efforts to lower the fever. If your parent is coughing up pus, is experiencing major changes in mental state, or is having difficulty breathing, it is important to seek out medical treatment as soon as possible.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING SENIOR CARE IN RIVER FOREST, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE LA GRANGE. CALL TODAY: 708-551-2500.