patient-care/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/aspiration-pneumonia Aspiration pneumonia: A review of modern trends. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. For example, you may get surgery for a feeding tube if you have swallowing problems that don’t respond to treatment. Depending on the cause of chronic aspiration, you may require surgery. Treatment includes supplemental oxygen, steroids, or help from a breathing machine. You may also need supportive care if aspiration pneumonia causes breathing problems. This period can vary from one to two weeks. Make sure to take the antibiotics for the entire length of the prescription period. Things your doctor will ask before prescribing antibiotics: Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics for your condition. People with trouble swallowing may need to stop taking food by mouth. Treating severe pneumonia may require hospitalization. Outcomes and duration of treatment depend on your general health, preexisting conditions, and hospital policies. The flu and Covid-19 are the two illnesses that most often lead to pneumonia, so keeping your flu and Covid-19 vaccines up to date is extremely important to prevent pneumonia.Treatment depends on the severity of your pneumonia. Other than hand washing and maintaining good overall health and hygiene, the best way to avoid pneumonia is through vaccines. The best way to avoid complications from pneumonia is to avoid getting pneumonia at all. Additionally, some seniors who were diagnosed with pneumonia saw long-term lung damage. Others saw an increase in depression, possibly related to lengthy hospital stays. One in four seniors who were hospitalized with pneumonia suffered from mild to moderate cognitive impairment related to memory and attention span. While pneumonia is not always fatal in the elderly, it can have some long-term effects. Long-Term Effects of Pneumonia in the Elderly Reducing bacteria in the mouth can reduce the chances of bacteria getting into the lungs. Help with household chores and cooking meals so the seniors can spend the majority of their time resting. It is difficult to keep track of all the medication a senior person might need on a normal day, and it becomes harder when you are tired from being sick and have extra medicine to manage. Help your senior loved one manage medications. If there is any indication symptoms are worsening, contact the doctor as soon as possible.Īssist with transportation to doctor’s appointments and picking up medications. There are some steps you can take to help your elderly loved one’s recovery stay on track:Ĭarefully monitor symptoms. Pneumonia recovery time for the elderly is between six and eight weeks. So pneumonia can be cured in the elderly, but it is challenging. Pneumonia caused by bacteria can be treated with antibiotics once the type of bacteria that caused the infection is determined. Pneumonia caused by a virus cannot be treated, and a sick individual just has to manage the symptoms and rest in order to recover. They may also have other pre-existing conditions that make it more difficult for their body to fight infection.Īdditionally, determining the cause of pneumonia is a factor in treating it. Seniors tend to have a weaker immune system than those under the age of 65 simply due to age.
As many as 30% of individuals treated in a hospital for pneumonia die from it, making the chances of an elderly person surviving pneumonia around 70%. Pneumonia is particularly dangerous for the elderly, and is frequently cited as the fifth leading cause of death in seniors. It causes the air sacs in the lungs to fill up with fluid, leading to coughing, a fever, chills, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by bacteria, fungi or a virus.
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