Cough, fever or fatigue? ——Uncovering the truth about pneumonia in the elderly and the key to prevention and treatment 

Cold or pneumonia? The elderly need to be especially vigilant!

72-year-old Grandma Zhang has been feeling tired recently, eating less, and occasionally having a low-grade fever. Her family thought it was a common cold and didn’t take it seriously. It wasn’t until she suddenly became short of breath that she was sent to the hospital and was diagnosed with pneumonia. She developed severe pneumonia and needed hospitalization. Why is pneumonia in the elderly easily ignored? This article will show you the truth about pneumonia in the elderly and the key to prevention and treatment.

How common is pneumonia in the elderly? Why is it dangerous?

Definition and epidemiological overview of elderly pneumonia Elderly pneumonia refers to lung infection in people aged 60 and above. According to the latest research in 2024, the population of people aged 60 and above in China has reached 280 million, among which the incidence and mortality rate of elderly pneumonia are much higher than those of young people. Especially in autumn and winter, the incidence rate rises sharply.

2. Why are the elderly more susceptible to pneumonia?

Decreased immunity: Ageing leads to a weakening of the immune system and decreased resistance. Many chronic diseases: Diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other underlying diseases increase the risk of infection. Swallowing dysfunction: Elderly people are prone to aspirating food or saliva, causing aspiration pneumonia. Bed rest and reduced activity: Long-term bed rest affects lung ventilation and sputum discharge, accelerating the occurrence of infection. 3. Why are symptoms easily ignored?

Different from typical cough and fever, pneumonia in the elderly often presents with “atypical symptoms”, such as:

Case 1: Grandma Zhang’s “unexplained low fever”

Grandma Zhang went to the hospital for repeated low-grade fever and fatigue. Initial examinations showed no obvious signs of lung infection, but imaging examinations revealed a fuzzy shadow in the lower lobe. She was eventually diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia. Fortunately, antibiotics were used in time to control the infection, otherwise it could have developed into serious complications.

Case 2: Grandpa Li’s “confusion of consciousness”

78-year-old Grandpa Li suddenly became confused, and his family thought it was aggravated dementia. But the hospital found that he had severe pneumonia and sepsis. After emergency anti-infection treatment and fluid support, the condition was brought under control. This case reminds us that the manifestations of pneumonia in the elderly may be hidden, but the danger cannot be ignored.

How to diagnose and treat pneumonia in the elderly?

Diagnostic process Imaging examination: Chest CT can more accurately show lung inflammation and consolidation. Pathological detection: Culture sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid to identify pathogens. Laboratory indicators: White blood cell count, C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) can provide infection information. 2. Treatment strategy