By Dr. Gerard Muraida
Pneumonia is a lung infection that can infect one or both lungs. It’s about this time of year that the medical community begins its annual drive to educate seniors about pneumonia and vaccinate them against it.
Pneumonia in seniors can present in a variety of ways, often differently than when it strikes younger people. Younger individuals may develop a cough and a fever. These symptoms may or may not be present in a senior who develops pneumonia. Possible signs of pneumonia in an older person may include increasing confusion, apathy, fatigue, or even temporary unconsciousness. A senior may have a change in breathing pattern – either fast or labored. A rapid heart rate, low blood pressure and a change in temperature may be present. A high fever up to 104 degrees or even a drop in temperature to 95 degrees may occur.
Like the flu, pneumonia is more prevalent in the fall and winter because people are closer together in closed environments, allowing the germs to flow in the air from person to person. This is particularly common in congregate settings like nursing homes and other medical facilities.
Overall health, age, and underlying lung or heart disease can complicate the course of elder pneumonia, and there are a number of bacteria and viruses that can cause it. Bacterial strains most common among seniors are streptococcus and mycoplasma. Pneumonia can also be caused by fungi. This is a type of pneumonia that older people should be particularly wary of. It primarily affects those with chronic health issues and is associated with inhaling certain kinds of fungi in the soil or bird droppings.
Most pneumonias are viral, and symptomatic treatment is usually quite effective. Older people should be aware that viruses, such as the one that causes Covid-19, can also cause pneumonia. Other viruses that cause colds and the flu are also in this category.
Often, the symptoms of pneumonia are similar to a cold. The signs can include fever, chills, body aches, shortness of breath and fatigue. Gastrointestinal symptoms of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may also occur.
Early intervention to treat pneumonia can shorten the course and may prevent complications. A primary care provider may prescribe antibiotics for bacterial pneumonia, antiviral medication for viral pneumonia, and antifungal medication for fungal pneumonia. There may also be some over-the-counter medications for fever relief, cough suppression, or expectoration. Nebulized or aerosolized medication may also be prescribed.
If the case of pneumonia is serious enough, hospitalization may be required. Intravenous fluids, IV antibiotics and even a ventilator could come into play.
To prevent pneumonia, avoid large crowds where individuals may be smoking, coughing or sneezing. Wear a mask even you aren’t ill. Wash your hands frequently, and when you sneeze or cough, do so into your elbow.
Consider getting vaccinated for flu, RSV, Covid-19 and pneumonia.
If you have any doubt as to how sick you may be, speak to your doctor and together, the two of you can come up with a treatment plan.
