Pneumonia in the elderly is a serious concern due to pre-existing health conditions that can complicate the disease. Complications include bacteria in the bloodstream, acute respiratory distress syndrome, respiratory failure, pleural effusion, aggravation of underlying health conditions, and lung collapse. Finding effective treatment is a hurdle due to drug interactions and difficulty prescribing antibiotics. Community-acquired pneumonia is a serious threat to older adults.
Pneumonia is a common disease afflicting people all over the world. Complications largely depend on one’s health before the disease. Pneumonia in the elderly is of particular concern because a weak immune system can further complicate the condition. The more serious side effects of pneumonia include bacteria in the bloodstream, acute respiratory distress syndrome, respiratory failure, and pleural effusion. Other risks of pneumonia in the elderly include aggravation of underlying health conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung collapse.
Pneumonia is a respiratory condition in which one or both lungs become infected. The causes of the disease include bacteria, viruses, mycoplasmas and fungi. The immune system is normally equipped to fight off such organisms, but older people often have pre-existing health conditions that complicate pneumonia. Community-acquired pneumonia, which spreads in nursing homes and hospitals, poses one of the most serious threats to older adults.
Finding effective treatment is a hurdle with pneumonia in the elderly. Some drugs cannot be combined, while multiple drugs can cause stomach upset. Doctors also have a hard time prescribing antibiotics because older people typically can’t metabolize them well. Such cases can delay crucial treatment and increase the risk of complications.
Bacteria in the bloodstream is one of the most common complications of pneumonia. This happens when bacterial cells attack the blood vessel walls. The pneumonia can then spread to other organs, including the brain and heart. In some cases, the blood becomes overwhelmed with bacteria and leads to sepsis. This condition can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
Another possible effect of pneumonia on the lungs is acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ARDS occurs when fluid builds up in the air sacs of the lungs. The fluid prevents enough oxygen from passing into the bloodstream. This, in turn, can damage vital organs.
Respiratory failure occurs when mechanical changes to the lungs prevent oxygen exchange. This is a common complication of ARDS, where fluid causes the lungs to stiffen. Too much stiffness makes it impossible for a person to breathe and thus the arteries lack oxygen. People with respiratory failure require mechanical ventilation to survive.
Pneumonia in the elderly can also cause pleural effusion. This is a condition where fluid builds up around the lungs. A thin membrane covers the lungs and the inner surface of the chest wall. Pneumonia sometimes causes the membrane to become inflamed and fluid can build up. This puts pressure on the lungs and makes it difficult to breathe.
Pneumonia can also aggravate pre-existing health conditions in older people. This is especially true for community-acquired pneumonia. Conditions of greatest concern include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), coronary artery disease, and congestive heart disease. These diseases become more pronounced when respiratory functions are reduced by pneumonia. They are sometimes called comorbidities because they can be lethal when associated with pneumonia.
Some cases of pneumonia in the elderly can also cause the lungs to collapse. This happens when air leaks from inside the lung into the space between the lung and the chest wall. That air can cause pressure, forcing a lung to collapse. Treating a collapsed lung requires aspiration of air, usually with a syringe or needle. The lung normally heals within several weeks, but it may take longer in older people, as their immune systems are typically not strong.
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