Well, yes and no. There are certain steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of infection, but pneumonia is still a potential issue for seniors who are at risk or who develop infections in the upper or lower respiratory system. Vaccination Vaccination is an option for pneumonia and seniors should actively pursue inoculation, especially if they have underlying conditions that can increase the risk of lung infection.
Flu vaccines are also a good idea as a preventative measure not only against the flu but also against pneumonia, which can follow a bout of flu. Avoiding illness will help reduce the chances that an illness will set the stage for pneumonia. Exercise caution with all seniors who are older than the age of 75 as well, even if they seem pretty healthy. Visitors who are currently in good health should wash their hands frequently or make use of a hand sanitizer.
Wear a Medical Face Mask When Visiting High-Risk Environments When seniors need to travel to other locations in which they might be around sick people, they should take extra care to avoid becoming ill. The level of care a senior takes should correspond with their relative level of vulnerability to pneumonia. These at-risk seniors should wear a medical-grade face mask with the power to filter out viral and bacterial microbes.
Frequent hand washing is also a smart step for seniors of any age and risk level. Staying healthy on a consistent basis really is an effective way of avoiding infection.
This may mean that some seniors need to seek out extra assistance in keeping their homes clean. Additionally, any musty, moldy or mildew smells should be examined and remedied. If a senior in your life falls ill, help them seek proper medical care early and check in with them periodically to make sure recovery is proceeding normally. Providing Proper Care for a Senior with Pneumonia Pneumonia is diagnosed through a variety of means that typically include a chest x-ray, which shows blockages in the lungs and helps doctors determine the extent of the infection.
Blood tests may also be part of the diagnosis. Doctors may use antibiotics and other treatments to fight against pneumonia, though some antibiotic-resistant strains of bacterial pneumonia have become apparent in recent years. Regardless of the root cause and potential treatment, any caretaker or loved one who suspects that a senior has pneumonia should seek immediate medical care.
Caretakers and loved ones should also encourage family members over 65, especially those with risk factors, to get pneumonia vaccinations or to ask their doctors about the vaccine.
Doing the same with flu shots will be helpful as well. Take all Your Medications After a senior has been diagnosed with pneumonia, they will need to take all medications as prescribed. Antibiotic resistance is an issue in part because unfinished antibiotic courses leave some infectious bacteria alive and able to survive treatment. Hospital Treatment Many seniors with pneumonia end up being admitted to the hospital, where they receive oxygen, fluids, treatment and pain medication.
Patients can stay in the hospital for a week or more as doctors work to help the body heal the infection. Seniors who have existing health conditions that can amplify the effects of pneumonia, such as diabetes or COPD, may be pre-emptively hospitalized as well.
Caretakers and family members should stay mindful of symptoms and be aware that pneumonia can be persistent and difficult to treat in elderly populations. You Might Also Like. You May Also Like. AudioRange vs. Read More. AudioRange Review AudioRange is a home technology company dedicated to producing high-quality, affordable products to enhance the TV viewing experience for anyone who has suffered hearing loss. Best Hearing Amplifiers Learn more about how hearing amplifiers can enhance sound quality for those who experience hearing impairment.
Learn more about how they differ here. Viral pneumonia is pneumonia that results from a viral lung infection. Many viruses can cause pneumonia. Learn about its causes, symptoms, and…. The way people experience pneumonia depends on their age and the type of pneumonia they have.
Learn more here and find out how it compares with flu…. What are the symptoms of pneumonia in older adults? Symptoms Seeing a doctor Recovery Prevention Causes and risk factors Complications Summary Pneumonia is the inflammation of the tissue in the lungs. When to seek emergency care and medical help. Length of time What to expect 1 week The fever should have resolved. Causes and risk factors. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3.
Related Coverage. Does Medicare cover pneumonia shots? Medically reviewed by Ayonna Tolbert, PharmD. Are there any home remedies for pneumonia?
Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. Walking pneumonia vs. What are the symptoms of viral pneumonia? Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D. A treatment plan will be created for you by one of our providers who will take your age and overall health into consideration when prescribing you a treatment regimen.
For more severe cases, antibiotics, cough medicines, and pain relievers are often taken in combination with oxygen therapy. Breathing treatments aim to help older adults suffering from pneumonia be able to prevent further complications.
Seniors diagnosed with pneumonia must be careful to take all their medications as prescribed by the doctor. People who have existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable to the effects of pneumonia and should take extra precautions to prevent their condition from worsening. Allowing the body plenty of rest and hydration is one such way to speed up the recovery process. Caretakers and family members of older adults should carefully monitor the progression of their symptoms.
There are certain steps you can take that will reduce your chances of contracting the respiratory illness. Seniors should consider getting vaccinated for the flu as a preventive measure against all common respiratory illnesses. Maintaining a good health status is essential and can be achieved through regular rest, exercise, and a healthy diet. Taking care to avoid people who are ill is necessary if you are at risk for developing pneumonia. Seniors who are especially vulnerable to pneumonia should exercise caution when they're traveling, visiting with grandchildren, or taking a trip to the doctor's office.
Medical-grade facial masks provide a layer of protection against harmful microbes. Regular washing of your hands is recommended for people of all ages despite risk level. Must, mold, or mildew can contribute to respiratory complications leaving you susceptible to more severe illnesses. If you or a loved one is suffering from pneumonia-related symptoms, don't hesitate to book an apportionment online , or call our office today.
The cold weather season brings in more patients concerned about coughs and other problematic respiratory concerns than any other season. Stay ahead of the cold with our top five tips for keeping your lungs healthy this fall and winter.
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