Critical Information for Elderly Care
Pneumonia can be particularly serious in elderly patients. Early recognition and prompt treatment are essential for positive outcomes.
Pneumonia is an infection where the tiny air sacs in your lungs (alveoli) become infected and inflamed. This can lead to symptoms such as cough and shortness of breath, even fever.
Pneumonia can be serious for some groups, one of which is elderly. Adults age 65 years and above are frequently hospitalized with pneumonia each year in Malaysia.
Why Pneumonia is More Severe in Older Adults
There are a couple reasons why pneumonia can be more severe in older adults:
- Immune system naturally weakens as we age
- Older adults are more likely to have chronic health conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) or heart disease, that can increase their risk for pneumonia
Symptoms of Pneumonia in Older Adults
The symptoms of pneumonia in older individuals can differ from those in other age groups.
Older adults with pneumonia may be more likely to:
- Feel weak or unsteady, which can increase the risk of falling
- Be without a fever or have a body temperature that's lower than normal
- Experience confusion or delirium
- Have changes in functional status, which is the ability to perform daily activities
- Experience urinary incontinence
- Lack of appetite
- Experience a worsening of existing health conditions
Since symptoms in older adults are often more subtle and can differ from classic pneumonia symptoms, pneumonia can be more difficult to recognize in this population. This can potentially result in a delay in diagnosis and treatment, in fact worse case scenario leading to death.
Where Can You Acquire Pneumonia?
You can get pneumonia from a variety of different places, which include:
1. Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)
This is pneumonia that you get outside of a hospital or healthcare facility
2. Healthcare-associated pneumonia
This is pneumonia that you acquire while in a healthcare facility. Older adults who are hospitalized or in a long-term care facility may be at an increased risk for this type of pneumonia
3. Aspiration pneumonia
This happens when you inhale things like food, saliva, or vomit into your lungs. Older individuals with swallowing disorders can be at higher risk for developing this type of pneumonia
When Should You Call a Housecall Doctor?
Pneumonia can quickly become serious in higher risk groups, such as older adults. Because of this, early detection is very important. Some signs require a housecall doctor to visit elderly patient at home.
Symptoms requiring immediate medical attention:
- Trouble breathing
- Nails, face, or lips that have a bluish color
- Abnormal body temperature, such as a high fever or a temperature that's lower than normal
- New confusion, delirium, or changes in functional status
Treatment for Pneumonia in Older Adults
Some cases of pneumonia in older adults can be treated at home by housecall medical doctor Doctor House. However, depending on your symptoms and overall health, it's also possible that you may be hospitalized.
Antibiotics Treatment:
Antibiotics are used to treat pneumonia that's caused by bacteria. The types of antibiotics used can depend on:
- The type of bacteria causing the infection
- The infection's severity
- They may be given orally or by IV (intravenously)
Recovery and Outlook for Pneumonia in Older Adults
Pneumonia in people ages 65 years or older is associated with an increased risk of hospitalization and mortality when compared to other age groups. Symptoms can also be atypical and can quickly worsen.
Because of this, seeking prompt medical attention is essential in promoting a positive outlook.
The recovery period for pneumonia can vary based on the severity of your illness. It's possible that your symptoms may get better after a period of days or weeks. However, in some older people, the recovery period may be longer.
Doctor House Home Visit Availability
Is Home Visit Housecall Doctor House available for elderly patient visit and treatment where I live?
Doctor House housecall doctor is available in whole Klang Valley including:
Doctor House Emergency Services
We provide immediate home visits for elderly patients with pneumonia symptoms. Our experienced doctors can assess, diagnose, and treat pneumonia in the comfort of your home, reducing the need for hospital visits.
Emergency Warning: If you notice any signs of severe pneumonia in an elderly person, especially breathing difficulties or bluish coloration, seek immediate medical attention. Call our emergency line for urgent home visits.