Pneumonia in the elderly is often overlooked because the initial symptoms of this condition are usually 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 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.
Causes and Risk Factors of Pneumonia in the Elderly
Pneumonia can happen to anyone, but the elderly are one of the groups at high risk of developing this disease. The following are some of the reasons:
1. Weak immune system
With age, the immune system also weakens. 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 to occur because they usually already have other diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), stroke, or heart disease. This causes the elderly to be 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 pneumonia. The chemicals in cigarettes can weaken the immune system, making it easier for bacteria and viruses that cause pneumonia to attack.
4. Hospital treatment
The elderly are an age group that is prone to experiencing health problems that require long-term hospital care. This makes the elderly more at risk of exposure to bacteria or viruses that cause pneumonia that spread in the hospital environment.
Symptoms of Pneumonia in the Elderly
Sometimes the symptoms of pneumonia are difficult to recognize because they are similar to the symptoms of other respiratory infections, such as the flu and bronchitis. In general, the symptoms of pneumonia are as follows:
- Coughing up thick phlegm, coughing up blood
- Fever Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Shivering
- Headache
- Bluish color of lips and nails (cyanosis)
In addition to the above symptoms, there are also pneumonia symptoms that usually only occur in the elderly, namely:
- Unable to hold urination or defecation
- Often feel confused
- Low body temperature
Complications of Pneumonia in the Elderly
Pneumonia in the elderly can cause serious complications. Following are some of them:
1. The entry of bacteria into the bloodstream
Pneumonia-causing bacteria 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 cause organ failure in the elderly.
2. Difficulty breathing
Acute pneumonia can cause the elderly to have difficulty breathing, so that oxygen intake throughout the body will be greatly reduced. If this happens, the elderly may need to be hospitalized or even use a breathing apparatus (ventilator) until their condition improves.
3. Pleural effusion
Pneumonia in the elderly can cause pleural effusion, which is a buildup of fluid in the cavity between the lungs and the inner wall of the chest cavity. This fluid will compress the lungs and make it more difficult for the sufferer 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 pus-filled sacs in the lungs. Generally, abscesses can be treated with antibiotics, but sometimes the pus needs to be surgically removed.
Prevention of Pneumonia in the Elderly
The following are some ways that can be done to prevent or reduce the risk of pneumonia in the elderly:
- Get vaccinated for pneumonia.
- Quit smoking.
- Enough rest.
- Exercise regularly.
- Eat a balanced nutritious 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 or she still smokes or has certain diseases, you should be more vigilant. If you notice symptoms of pneumonia in the elderly, immediately take him to the doctor for examination and treatment.
