Once a senior is diagnosed with pneumonia, they may be given antibiotics, cough medicine or a pain reliever, along with oxygen therapy or another breathing treatment. Yet because symptoms can quickly become aggressive, you’re encouraged to get medical attention as soon as possible. In older adults, pneumonia may be misdiagnosed as something less severe. Older adults may display some of the classic signs, including: Recent surgery that has consumed the body’s resources for healingĪnother concern, pneumonia symptoms can present differently in seniors.Chronic health conditions increase an older adult’s chances of contracting pneumonia.A weaker immune system that can no longer fight off infection like it used to. ![]() Muscle weakness and frailty, which can make coughing a challenge. ![]() Seniors also have decreased muscle mass and may live with conditions like COPD, asthma, heart disease and diabetes.įactors posing complications for seniors who contract pneumonia include: The aging body has to work harder to fight off infection. Why Are Older Adults More Vulnerable to Pneumonia? Each year, an estimated one million older adults are hospitalized with pneumonia or related complications. Although pneumonia can affect people of all ages, children younger than 2 and adults over 65 are the most vulnerable.įor seniors, age-related changes, a weakened immune system and pre-existing conditions can affect lung function and how oxygen circulates in the body. The condition typically causes breathing issues, coughing, fever and chills. ![]() Pus may form, reducing the amount of oxygen flowing through the blood. Pneumonia is a respiratory infection that inflames the air sacs lining the lungs.
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