Know the Symptoms and Treatment of Ulcer in Children

Pneumonia in the elderly is often overlooked because usually the initial symptoms of this condition appear mild. In fact, pneumonia in the elderly has the potential to cause serious complications, even fatal, if not treated immediately.

Pneumonia or commonly known as wet lung is an infection caused by various microorganisms, including other bacteria, viruses, or fungi. This infection causes inflammation of the air sacs (alveoli) in one or even both lungs, so that the air sacs fill with fluid or pus.

Know the Symptoms and Treatment of Ulcer in Children

Causes and Risk Factors for Pneumonia in the Elderly

Pneumonia can happens to anyone, but the elderly are one group at high risk of developing this disease. Here are some reasons:

1. Weakened immune system

As we get older, the immune system weakens too. As a result, the body's ability to fight bacteria or viruses that cause pneumonia also decreases. That is why the elderly are more at risk of developing this disease.

2. The presence of other diseases

Pneumonia in the elderly is also easier because they usually already have other diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), stroke, or heart disease. This makes the elderly more susceptible to pneumonia.

3. Cigarette Smoke

There are many elderly people who have a smoking habit and find it difficult to quit smoking. This habit can increase the risk of developing pneumonia. The chemicals in cigarettes can weaken the immune system, making it easier for bacteria and viruses that cause pneumonia to attack.

4. Hospitalization

The elderly are an age group that is prone to experiencing health problems that require long-term hospitalization. This makes the elderly more at risk of being exposed to bacteria or viruses that cause pneumonia that spreads in the hospital environment.

Symptoms of pneumonia in the elderly

Sometimes pneumonia symptoms are difficult to recognize because it is similar to the symptoms of other respiratory tract infections, such as flu and bronchitis. In general, the symptoms of pneumonia are as follows:

  • Cough with thick phlegm, to coughing up blood
  • Fever Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Shivering
  • Headache
  • Color of lips and nails turning bluish (cyanosis)

Apart from the above symptoms, there are also symptoms pneumonia which usually only occurs in the elderly, namely:

  • Not able to hold back urination or defecate
  • Often feel confused
  • Low body temperature

Complications of Pneumonia in the Elderly

Pneumonia in the elderly can cause serious complications. The following are some of them:

1. Entry of bacteria into the bloodstream

Pneumonia-causing bacteria present in the lungs can enter the bloodstream. This condition is called bacteremia and can cause the infection to spread to other organs. This has the potential to lead to organ failure in the elderly.

2. Difficulty breathing

Acute pneumonia can cause the elderly to have difficulty breathing, which greatly reduces oxygen throughout the body. If this happens, the elderly may need to be hospitalized or even use a breathing device (ventilator) until their condition improves.

3. Pleural effusion

Pneumonia in the elderly can cause pleural effusion, which is the buildup of fluid in the cavity between the lungs and the inner wall of the chest cavity. This fluid will press on the lungs and make it more difficult for sufferers to breathe. If the fluid is too much, the doctor will need to remove it with a special tube or surgery.

4. Lung abscess

A lung abscess is a condition when bacteria form a pus-filled sac in the lungs. Generally, abscesses can be treated with antibiotics, but sometimes the pus needs to be removed through surgery.

Prevention of Pneumonia in the Elderly

The following are some ways you can do to prevent or reduce the risk of pneumonia in the elderly:

  • Get vaccinated against pneumonia.
  • Stop smoking.
  • Get enough rest.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Eat a well-balanced diet.
  • Wash your hands with soap regularly.
  • Avoid trigger factors, such as air pollution and cigarette smoke.

Pneumonia in the elderly can cause life-threatening complications. If you have an elderly family member, especially if he still smokes or has certain diseases, you should be more vigilant. If you see symptoms of pneumonia in an elderly person, immediately take him to the doctor for examination and treatment.

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