Cold Weather Concerns for Seniors in Nassau County
Learn the Signs and Risks of Elderly Pneumonia
North Shore Nassau County Seniors; Be prepared for winter pneumonia season in advance
If you care for your aging parent, then you’ve probably heard the importance of taking preventative measures against pneumonia. That’s because seniors are much more prone to catching illness. In fact, according to a 2009 study, the annual incidence of pneumonia among adults over 65 is four times that of younger populations.[1] Read our FAQs to learn why and get tips to identify pneumonia symptoms and ensure a speedy recovery for your parent.
What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection (viral, bacterial, or fungal) of the lungs. Cases can range in severity. Milder cases sometimes get referred to as “walking” pneumonia because the infected person doesn’t have to stay in bed.[2] More severe cases require bed rest.
Why are older adults more susceptible to pneumonia?
A few factors make seniors more susceptible than younger people:
Weakened Immune System
While symptoms like chills, shortness of breath, and chest pain will stand out to younger individuals, they may register as fairly typical among seniors, given their already weakened immune response. As a result, a senior may not even notice the signs of pneumonia, and thus may not seek help.[3]
Smaller Lung Capacity
As we age, our lung capacity shrinks. This makes it harder to cough up sputum, the mucus our lungs secrete in order to clear infections. By consequence, infections can fester among older adults and, worse, the mucus may accumulate in the bronchial tubes, preventing oxygen from entering the blood and cells of the body.[4]
Community-Acquired Pneumonia
Residing in an assisted living community or nursing home puts your parent at greater risk of contracting pneumonia due to the close proximity of potentially infected residents, visitors, and workers. This is known as community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).
Pneumonia effects dementia and alzheimer’s also
Older adults with dementia may not communicate that they’re not feeling well, thus allowing an infection to go unnoticed and worsen.
Why is pneumonia a more serious condition for seniors?
Seniors are more likely to have other conditions, such as heart disease or COPD, that when combined with pneumonia can create dangerous complications and even death. Even a mild case of pneumonia can further weaken a senior’s already weak immune system, which can turn an underlying condition, such as heart disease, into a life-threatening malady.[5]
What are the signs of pneumonia in a senior?
- Across all age groups, the most common pneumonia symptoms include the following:
- Feeling weak or confused
- Cough
- Green or yellow mucus
- Chest pain
- Fever
- Chills
- Shortness of breath
What does pneumonia treatment entail?
Typical pneumonia treatment begins with a phlegm or blood sample to determine whether the individual has viral or bacterial pneumonia. Viral forms usually get treated with bedrest, while bacterial forms can improve with antibiotics. There are a few special considerations to make when prescribing an antibiotic to a senior. As we age, the ability to metabolize medications changes, and so older adults can become more sensitive to dosage and susceptible to upset stomach. Further, many seniors already take a cocktail of medicines, increasing the risk of potential negative interactions when adding any new medicine. Your parent’s doctor should take these factors into consideration, but it never hurts to do your own research on safe medication management.
Are there any common pneumonia complications?
Yes. It’s important to monitor for a worsening condition as it may indicate these complications:
Bacteremia occurs when the infection enters the bloodstream, where it can spread to other organs. A lung abscess is a fluid-containing cavity that develops in the lungs.Pleurisy develops when the pleura, or membrane that protects the lungs becomes inflamed and swollen. The fluid causing this inflammation can in turn become infected, a condition known as empyema.
How can you prevent pneumonia?
First and foremost, help your loved one or elder get the pneumococcal vaccine. Experts recommend getting the first dose of this vaccine between ages 50 and 60, and the second at age 65. The vaccine helps guard against 23 strains of bacterial pneumonia (many more exist). Seniors should also get an annual flu shot as pneumonia often strikes after an initial bout of the flu after leaving the immune system compromised.
For more information about senior pneumonia care by BrightStar Care Click Here
Source: https://www.brightstarcare.com/richmond/blog/elderly-pneumonia-symptoms
[1] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2917114/
BrightStar Care of Nassau County provides Long Island seniors with a full continuum of home care services comprised of companionship, personal care, dementia care, transportation, medication assistance, skilled nursing and more to improve their health and quality of life.
To learn more about our local team of Alzheimer’s caregivers, skilled healthcare professionals, and home health care support for Nassau County families and businesses CLICK HERE