Fatigue – The body can be sapped of energy as the infection is fought.The buildup in the lungs may produce mucus that is greenish, yellow or even bloody. It can be a dry cough, or there can be mucus. Cough – A cough that doesn’t clear up can mean pneumonia.Confusion – Exhaustion and infection, especially in seniors, can lead to temporary confusion and slips in mental awareness.Chills or Fever – Pneumonia usually gives people a fever, but it’s not unusual for older adults with a weakened immune system to have a cooler body temperature.A sharp, stabbing pain in the chest may be felt. Chest pain – Lung infections can cause pain when coughing or even breathing deeply.What Are the Symptoms of Pneumonia in Older Adults? Plus, bacteria and viruses in hospitals may be more resistant to treatment. Hospital-acquired pneumonia – People in the hospital are already sick and have a more difficult time fighting off pneumonia.Seniors may be exposed to bacteria that are more resistant to antibiotics. Health care-acquired pneumonia – This can occur in people who live in long-term care facilities or who receive care in outpatient clinics.Bacteria or viruses from the nose or sinuses that can be successfully fought in younger people can cause an infection in seniors because of their depressed immunity. Community-acquired pneumonia – This can be contracted during everyday interactions.Some medical conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease and strokes can affect the normal gag reflex, which may aggravate susceptibility to pneumonia. Aspiration pneumonia – As noted above, anything that enters your lungs other than air – food, drinks, saliva, vomit – can cause pneumonia.Here are the most common ways pneumonia can be contracted, according to the Mayo Clinic : There are several types of pneumonia categorized by how they occur. Weakened immunity – Many seniors have weakened immune systems, likely a combination of aging and possibly medications to treat chronic conditions.Exposure to other ill persons in intensive care or spending time on a ventilator can be aggravating factors. Recent hospitalization – Seniors may be vulnerable due to recovery from surgical procedures. This can result in aspiration of food, vomit or saliva into the lungs that then becomes infected.
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