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

Early antibiotic treatment: Empirical medication, covering common pathogens, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Gram-negative bacteria. Comprehensive treatment measures: Sputum drainage, improved oxygenation, nutritional support, etc., help patients recover. Individualized medication adjustment: Evaluate drug dosage according to patient renal function to reduce adverse reactions. Preventive measures – protect lung health

Vaccinations Flu vaccine: Get a flu vaccine every year to reduce the risk of complications. Pneumococcal vaccine: Including 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine and 13-valent conjugate vaccine, which can reduce the risk of invasive pneumococcal infection. COVID-19 vaccine: Follow national vaccination guidelines to protect respiratory health. 2. Adjust your lifestyle

Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption: Reduce respiratory irritation and infection risks. Pay attention to oral hygiene: Prevent oral bacteria from infecting the lungs. Strengthen exercise: Improve respiratory muscle function and enhance immunity. 3. Swallowing function management

Assess the swallowing ability of the elderly, conduct rehabilitation training in a timely manner, and prevent aspiration. For those with dysphagia, semi-recumbent feeding or gastric tube feeding is recommended.

Early detection and early prevention can keep you away from the threat of pneumonia

Pneumonia in the elderly is not terrible, but we need to be vigilant and pay attention to it. Daily health care, vaccination and timely medical treatment can effectively reduce the risk and protect respiratory health. If you or the elderly in your family are unusually tired, have a low fever or a change in mental state, you may want to pay more attention to the possibility of pneumonia and seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid worsening of the disease.

May every elderly person have healthy breathing and enjoy a happy old age!