Facts About the Stages of Pneumonia in Elderly Adults
According to Verywell Health, doctors diagnose around 1.5 million American adults with pneumonia each year. Of these individuals, about a million require hospitalization. And while it can affect people of all ages, it's more dangerous to particular groups, including adults 65 years or older.
For that reason, family members and carers must be aware of the stages of pneumonia in elderly adults. Knowing these four stages and their symptoms can help correctly identify and prevent complications.
With this guide, our staff at LakeHouse Menomonee Assisted Living in Menomonee Falls, WI, aims to spread awareness about this infectious disease. We'll cover:
- Elderly pneumonia stages
- Risks and complications
- Symptoms
- Treatment
- Risk factors
- Prevention
So please read on, as what you learn here can help you make the difference between your loved one recovering sooner and them getting hospitalized longer.
The Four Stages of Pneumonia in Elderly Adults
There are four stages of pneumonia, and their names pertain to how the infectious disease progresses and develops. The symptoms vary depending on the stage. Elderly pneumonia symptoms may also differ from those that affect younger people.
Stage 1: Congestion
The term congestion refers to how the lungs become congested during the initial stage of pneumonia. In older adults, symptoms may include:
- Lower-than-normal temperature
- Sudden confusion
- Feeling weak
If your older loved one experiences those symptoms, it's best to have their doctor test and screen them as soon as possible. The earlier their doctor can determine their condition, the sooner they can start treatment for elderly pneumonia (e.g., antibiotics for bacterial pneumonia). Early treatment can usually help minimize more severe pneumonia risks and complications.
Stage 2: Red Hepatization
The term hepatization refers to how tissues transform into something that resembles the liver. So, during this pneumonia stage, the lungs become dry and firm, like the liver. The "red" in "red hepatization" pertains to how the lungs become flushed with red blood cells.
Red hepatization may occur about two to three days after the infection's development. Its symptoms are typically more severe. Delirium or confusion may occur in older adults, even if they're already on oxygen therapy.
Respiratory rates may also considerably increase during red hepatization. According to MSDManuals.com, a respiratory rate that exceeds 30 breaths per minute indicates the need for hospitalization in an intensive care unit (ICU).
Patients with bacterial pneumonia will continue to take antibiotics.
Stage 3: Gray Hepatization
Gray hepatization occurs around four to six days from the infection's development. At this stage, the red blood cells start to break up, resulting in the lungs turning gray, albeit still liver-like in consistency.
Symptoms are similar to those in red hepatization, but breathing may become even more difficult. In such cases, doctors may order additional mechanical ventilation or oxygen therapy and continue to prescribe antibiotics for bacterial pneumonia.
Severe coughing fits may also occur and produce blood.
Stage 4: Resolution
During resolution, the final stage of pneumonia, the severity and frequency of symptoms decrease. Signs of improvements may finally occur, including:
- Reduced coughing
- Better blood oxygen levels
- Improved breathing
- Increased energy levels
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), some people feel better enough to return to regular routines within a week or two of their pneumonia's resolution. It can take at least a month for others, including older adults. Fatigue or tiredness may also persist for about a month.
Pneumonia Risks and Complications
Pneumonia can result in more severe complications, especially with delayed treatment. Some examples of other illnesses it may lead to are:
- Bacteremia, in which bacteria in the lungs spread to the blood and other body areas
- Septicemia, wherein bacteria in the blood multiplies
- Sepsis, a bodily response to septicemia
- Empyema, characterized by pus build-up and accumulation in the pleural membranes
The above complications can be dangerous, even downright deadly (especially sepsis) for older adults. Family members and carers must pay careful attention to health symptoms their senior loved ones may experience and exhibit.
Pneumonia Risk Factors in Elderly Adults
Age is one of the primary risk factors for pneumonia. Older adults are at a higher risk than younger adults because their immune systems are no longer as efficient at fighting infections.
Another factor that may contribute to an increased risk of pneumonia in older adults is being overweight or obese. Due to impairments in their immune functions and reduced lung volume, they may be more susceptible to infections.
Other factors that may increase older adults' pneumonia risks are:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Cystic fibrosis
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Smoking
Tips for Preventing Pneumonia in Older Adults
Many cases of pneumonia, including those in older adults, are preventable. Common strategies are vaccination and a healthier lifestyle.
Vaccination
Vaccination against pneumococcal pneumonia is an effective preventive strategy for adults aged 65 or older. Speak to your loved one's primary care provider to determine if they can get any other pneumonia vaccine.
Quit Smoking or Avoid Tobacco Smoke
Staying away from tobacco smoke is a critical preventive measure against not just pneumonia but many types of infections. Tobacco smoke increases a person's risk for infections because it can damage the lung's ability to fight them off.
Practice Optimal Personal Hygiene
Another effective strategy to combat or at least lower one's risk of pneumonia is to nip self-neglect in the bud and practice optimal personal hygiene. Frequent hand washing, bathing, and showering minimize the odds of catching, contracting, and spreading infectious diseases like pneumonia.
Adopt Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Looking after one's general health and well-being can also help maintain and improve the health and functions of the immune and respiratory systems. Exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and eating a well-balanced, senior-centered diet are examples of healthier lifestyle habits.
Help Your Older Loved One Avoid Pneumonia
All four stages of pneumonia in elderly adults can cause your older loved one unnecessary pain and suffering. Fortunately, many strategies exist to prevent or minimize their risks, including vaccination, optimal personal hygiene, and healthier lifestyle habits. So, consider helping your loved one implement these tactics as early as today.
Our senior living community, LakeHouse Menomonee, in Menomonee Falls, WI, can help care for your older loved one. With our tailored personal care and exceptional amenities, we can assist them in leading healthier lifestyles.
Reach out to us today to schedule your visit and tour of our community!