Pneumonia in Elderly Adults: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention, part 2

Pneumonia can be fatal in elderly adults.

Seniors 65 and over are at an increased risk of death from pneumonia, especially if they have preexisting health problems. If a senior has chronic health conditions, like heart or kidney disease, pneumonia can progress rapidly and become increasingly difficult to treat. In extreme cases, doctors might discontinue all treatment and put the senior on hospice.

It’s suspected that the following health conditions and factors increase the risk of death from pneumonia in adults over 65:

— Heart disease
— Diabetes
— Sickle cell disease
— Weakened immune system
— Chemotherapy or long-term drug or steroid usage
— Difficulty swallowing
— Dementia, Parkinson’s disease, or other health issues
— Recent hospitalizations or viral respiratory infections
— Cigarette smoking
— Chronic lung conditions, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
— Causes of pneumonia in the elderly

Pneumonia can be caused by a buildup of bacteria, viruses, or fungi in the lungs. There are several types of bacteria that can cause pneumonia, some typical and some atypical. Any virus that can cause an upper respiratory illness can move into the lungs, causing pneumonia. Fungal pneumonia is more common in people with weakened immune systems or those who have close contact with fungal spores.

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