PNEUMONIA

• Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs

“ usually caused by bacteria (Streptococcus

pneumoniae), viruses, fungi or other
organisms

• This inflammation causes an outpouring of

fluid in the infected part of the lungs,
affecting either one or both lungs.

• blood flow to the infected portion of the

lung (or lungs) decreases, meaning oxygen
levels in the bloodstream can decline.
Pneumonia in elderly patients
• Pneumonia in elderly patients may occur
as a primary diagnosis or as a
complication of a chronic disease.

• Pulmonary infections in older people

frequently are difficult to treat and result
in a higher mortality rate than in younger
people.
INCIDENCE
• A number of studies have confirmed that
there is a high rate of morbidity and
mortality associated with pneumonia in the
elderly
• One-sixth of the six million pneumonia cases
that are reported each year occur primarily
in those individuals 65 years and older
requiring hospitalization for pneumonia
• Over 90% of all deaths from pneumonia
occur in this older population.
• On top of this, 1 out of 20 adults who get
pneumonia dies
The onset of Pneumonia in older people:
• General deterioration
• Weakness
• abdominal symptoms,
• Anorexia
• Confusion
• Tachycardia
• Tachypnea
NOTE:
The diagnosis of pneumonia may be
missed because the classic symptoms
of cough, chest pain, sputum
production, and fever may be absent
or masked in elderly patients.
 RISK
FACTORS
 Risk Factors

o Alcoholism
o Immunosuppression
o Being over 70 years old
o Depressed cough reflex
Why Do Older People Become Susceptible
to Pneumonia?
• they often suffer from debilitating and life-
threatening conditions (co-morbidities) such as
heart disease, which make them more vulnerable
to the infection.

• poor immune system response

• "Some virulent organisms can cause infection in

younger people, but the infections can be worse
in older people,"
COMPLICATIONS
Hypotension

Kidney
failure

Bacteremia
Thanks!
References:
Medsurg book
http://www.aplaceformom.com/senior-care-
resources/articles/pneumonia-in-the-elderly

http://articles.mercola.com/pneumonia/pneumo
nia-in-elderly.aspx
 BONDAD
NAKAMURA
AMARANTO
REJANO

BLOCK B