The risk of getting pneumonia rises with age, with those 65 and older having an increased risk of infection. Risk increases even more if someone has chronic health conditions or a weakened immune system.
Early detection and treatment are essential. The elderly suffer from more complications and a higher pneumonia mortality rate than younger people. So, learning how to detect the early warning signs of pneumonia and getting your elderly loved one prompt healthcare is key.
Early Stage Pneumonia Symptoms in the Elderly
Unfortunately, the earliest signs of pneumonia in the elderly can be easily dismissed or overlooked. Sometimes, they can be confused with side effects from medications or other health conditions.
If your loved one is suddenly experiencing any of these first signs of pneumonia, contact your health care provider right away:
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Fever and chills
- Rapid breathing or shortness of breath
- Appetite loss
- Chest pain
- Coughing
- Low oxygen level (test with an oximeter)
This is a case of “better safe than sorry.” Even if the symptoms don’t seem especially bothersome, it’s still best to consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
Types of Pneumonia
There are several different types of pneumonia, usually classified by how people get it, and which pathogen causes it. The main types of pneumonia are:
- Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), which can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. These infections happen wherever someone is living their normal day-to-day life.
- Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) and Healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP) are the classifications for when someone catches pneumonia when they’re in a hospital or a healthcare or long-term care facility receiving treatment for another issue. It’s usually more serious, since pneumonia caught in a healthcare setting is usually due to bacteria that’s more antibiotic-resistant. This can also be more difficult to treat.
- Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) affects people who receive breathing assistance from respirators or breathing machines. This most commonly occurs in intensive care units. Like the hospital-acquired and healthcare-associated types listed above, these are also more resistant to antibiotics.
What Is Lobar Pneumonia?
Lobar pneumonia is a type of pneumonia that affects certain lobes of one or both lungs. It’s treated with antibiotics, though there are also several complications that can result. These include sepsis and (in extreme cases) respiratory failure. Complications might require surgery in addition to antibiotic treatment.
The Stages of Pneumonia
There are four stages of pneumonia that happen as the illness runs its course over several weeks.
The stages of pneumonia are:
- Congestion: This stage lasts roughly for the first 24 hours of an infection, as the lungs start becoming congested and irritated.
- Red hepatization: This stage lasts from two to four days. The lungs become dry and swollen, and cellular debris can start clogging the airways, making breathing and coughing more uncomfortable.
- Gray hepatization: The third stage, in which breathing can become even more difficult, might require a respirator or other oxygen therapy. This phase lasts approximately four to eight days.
- Resolution: Fluids start to clear up and breathing becomes easier. However, this is the longest phase of pneumonia and can last up to a few weeks as the infection starts to clear.
When to Seek Medical Care for Pneumonia
When it comes to pneumonia and the elderly, it’s a good idea to seek medical attention for pneumonia early so antibiotics or other treatments can be prescribed. This can reduce the length and severity of the illness.
Most people with pneumonia over 65 need to receive treatment and monitoring in a hospital. This is even more true for those who have underlying chronic health conditions or who are unable to take care of themselves at home.
Senior Home Care for Pneumonia Recovery
Once your loved one has the worst of the illness behind them, they could still need a good amount of time to fully recover. Our compassionate, professional caregivers can help care for them with professional in-home care, medication reminders, light housekeeping, and monitoring for complications or relapse.
Contact your local Homewatch CareGivers® or call 888-404-5191 today to learn about our professional after-hospital care services.
