Pneumonia is a serious illness that can have lasting effects in older people if left untreated. There are several reasons why seniors are at higher risk for pneumonia, including a weakened immune system due to age, and susceptibility due to other conditions like cardiopulmonary disease or diabetes. The most common organisms that cause pneumonia in older people are Streptococcus pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Pneumonia can be caused by a variety of germs, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and the exact type of germ that causes pneumonia in older adults can vary.
Several factors common in the elderly contribute to breaches in their defense systems, making elderly patients not only more vulnerable to infection, but also more vulnerable to severe infection associated with prolonged recovery and poor outcomes. Risk factors for pneumonia among older adults include underlying comorbid conditions, such as cardiovascular and lung disease, diabetes mellitus, and malignancy, all of which are more prevalent in advanced age.
Seniors who are diagnosed with pneumonia are at increased risk of respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation, have a higher incidence of septic shock, and are at greater risk for death caused by pneumonia and its complications. Complications can include bacteria in the bloodstream that can lead to sepsis.
In summary, pneumonia in elderly people can be caused by a variety of germs, and seniors are at higher risk for pneumonia due to a weakened immune system and susceptibility due to other conditions like cardiopulmonary disease or diabetes. Risk factors for pneumonia among older adults include underlying comorbid conditions, such as cardiovascular and lung disease, diabetes mellitus, and malignancy, all of which are more prevalent in advanced age. Seniors who are diagnosed with pneumonia are at increased risk of respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation, have a higher incidence of septic shock, and are at greater risk for death caused by pneumonia and its complications.
