Pneumonia in Seniors: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention in Edmonton

Edmonton Senior Health  |  January 27, 2020

Pneumonia in Seniors | In their senior years, many of the older adults need to deal with age-related issues, such as a weakened immune system. Due to it, seniors become more prone to various infections, such as pneumonia. It affects one or both lungs and it can vary from mild to severe. It occurs when bacteria, fungi or viruses enter the lungs and it can even be fatal.

Why Pneumonia in Seniors is More Common

Changes to the lungs as we age. Older adults are not always able to clear secretions from their lungs. Those secretions then go down into bronchial tubes and lead to an infection.

Weakened immune systems. Seniors have a weaker immune system which means they are not able to fight off infection as well as they used to. Their immune system is an even worse shape if they’ve gone through chemotherapy, had an organ transplant, or have taken certain medications for a long period of time.

Senior health conditions. Seniors who struggle with diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, HIV, cystic fibrosis, asthma, and COPD are more likely to get infected.

Signs of Pneumonia in Seniors

If a senior has been infected, they will experience fever, chills, shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing, fatigue, or their cold will suddenly get worse.

Pneumonia Treatments

To determine whether a senior has pneumonia, a health provider will do a blood test and an X-ray. If a patient is diagnosed with pneumonia, they will receive medication, as well as fluids, oxygen, and pain killers.

Reducing the Risk 

Luckily there are some ways seniors can lower their chances of being infected. Older adults should consult with their physicians to determine the best solution. Some of the ways pneumonia can be prevented are:

Get vaccinated. Older adults in their senior years should get an annual flu shot, as well as a pneumococcal vaccine that will protect them against pneumonia bacteria.

Take steps to quit smoking. Smoking can damage the lungs, and when the lungs’ defense systems are compromised they can easily get infected.

Practice a healthy lifestyle. With some lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and a well-balanced diet, seniors can boost their health and reduce the risk of pneumonia.

Comfort Keepers Edmonton Can Help with Pneumonia in Seniors

If you are concerned about the health and wellbeing of your aging loved ones we can help. Comfort Keepers®’ trained caregivers help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

What’s more, our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind: empathy. Care that is empathetic is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our clients’ exact needs. Learn more about our unique service offering by contacting the Comfort Keepers Edmonton office.

If you live in the Devon, Edmonton, Sherwood Park, or Stony Plain area, contact Comfort Keepers at 780-465-4665.

Comfort Keepers Edmonton  is here to help you and your loved ones get the best care possible.

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