Viral pneumonia will not respond to antibiotics, but bacterial pneumonia can be cured by the use of antibiotics. Blood tests. Drinking plenty of fluids… Pneumonia is a common cause of respiratory infection, accounting for more than 800,000 hospitalizations in the United States annually. You may need any of the following: Antibiotics help treat a bacterial infection. Double pneumonia recovery time With proper treatment, most otherwise healthy people can expect to get better within 3 to 5 days. What’s the treatment like for pneumonia in older adults? If you have no underlying health conditions, you’ll most … Some examples of antibiotics used for pneumonia can include one or a combination of the following: Viruses can’t be treated with antibiotics. Older adults are more likely to have symptoms such as: Prompt medical attention is vital for improving the outlook of pneumonia in older adults. Community-acquired pneumonia. For other people, it can take a month or more. [1] With community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) 10 percent who … Some signs require a trip to the doctor, including: Pneumonia in older adults can be difficult to diagnose. Your doctor will start by asking about your medical history and doing a physical exam, including listening to your lungs with a stethoscope to check for abnormal bubbling or crackling sounds that suggest pneumonia.If pneumonia is suspected, your doctor may recommend the following tests: 1. Bacteria are one of the most common causes of pneumonia in adults. However, preci… Recovery times vary a … The types of antibiotics used can depend on the type of bacteria causing the infection and on the infection’s severity. Older adults with pneumonia may be more likely to: Since symptoms in older adults are often more subtle and can differ from classic pneumonia symptoms, pneumonia can be more difficult to recognize in this population. Pneumonia Resolution . You can become infected if you come in contact with someone who is sick. Eating a light, doctor recommended diet. Pneumonia vaccines lower the risk of getting common pneumococcal disease. This increased recovery time is due to the … It may take a while for an older adult to regain strength and feel good again. Read on to learn how to identify warning signs of pneumonia… However, depending on your symptoms and overall health, it’s also possible that you may be hospitalized. chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). You can get pneumonia from a variety of different places, which include: Pneumonia can be caused by a variety of germs, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The recovery period for pneumonia can vary based on the severity of your illness. What’s the recovery and outlook for pneumonia in older adults? … It refers to pneumonia that is caught outside of a hospital or other healthcare facility, as opposed to what’s called hospital-acquired or healthcare-associated pneumonia, which is less common and is caught inside one of those facilities. Recovering from pneumonia Pneumonia can be a serious illness that takes weeks or months to recover from. Bacterial pneumonia can be treated with antibiotics. Javascript must be enabled for the correct page display, Elderly Pneumonia: Recovery, Symptoms, Causes & Treatment, Starting the Conversation with a Loved One, Caring for the Family During the Holidays Webcast, COVID-19 Vaccine and Senior Living Webcast, Risk Factors, Hazards & Causes of Falls in the Elderly, Cough, especially a wet one that produces phlegm. Pneumonia, an infection of the lungs, kills more than 50,000 Americans a year, the majority of whom are 65 or older. … Dog ticks and deer ticks are different types of tick, and carry different diseases. What are the symptoms of pneumonia in older adults? Seniors are less likely to be able to produce a strong cough – as a result of a stroke or general frailty – and coughing helps the body expel things that can harm it, such as the germs that cause pneumonia. Study: Pneumonia Vaccine Effective in Adults Over 65, Bacterial Pneumonia: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, Viral Pneumonia: Symptoms, Risk Factors, and More, Why Pneumonia Can Be Deadly for Some People, 8 Ways to Improve Financial Wellness During Challenging Times, How to Shift from ‘Body Positivity’ to ‘Body Neutrality’ — and Why You Should. Recovery Recovery of pneumonia in older adults can be a long process. As people age, their immune systems work less well, leaving them less able to fend off infections. Additional treatments that may be used for pneumonia include: Pneumonia in people ages 65 years or older is associated with an increased risk of hospitalization and mortality when compared to other age groups. Pneumonia is an infection where the tiny air sacs in your lungs (alveoli) become inflamed. Report potential pneumonia symptoms to a doctor right away. Older adults are more likely to have chronic health conditions, such as, feel weak or unsteady, which can increase the risk of falling, have changes in functional status, which is the ability to perform daily activities, experience a worsening of existing health conditions. Pneumonia In The Elderly Recovery Time When you are caring for a senior with pneumonia, you can expect a recovery time as long as six to eight weeks. Some people feel better and are able to return to their normal routines within a week. Because of this, seeking prompt medical attention is essential in promoting a positive outlook. Before we start talking specifics about seniors and pneumonia, its important to understand exactly what this illness is from a physiological perspective. It may take time to recover from pneumonia. They may also use a stethoscope to listen for crackling sounds in your lungs. Those in the 65+ a… Accepting your body and loving it aren't mutually exclusive ideas, but body neutrality offers a firm middle ground between body hate and body love. Most people feel better and can return within a week to their normal routines. In case of the elderly, complete … Community-acquired pneumonia is the most common form of pneumonia. Pneumonia in the elderly is often life-threatening. Pneumonia is a fairly common infection caused by a virus, bacteria, or fungi. The symptoms of pneumonia in older individuals can differ from those in other age groups. In the case of the flu, an antiviral, such as Tamiflu, may be prescribed. What are the primary causes of pneumonia in older adults? It’s possible that your symptoms may get better after a period of days or weeks. Pneumococcal pneumonia, which can also cause meningitis in the brain, is the most common type of bacterial pneumonia, and can be very dangerous in seniors. Many cases of the lung abscess of the elderly ages are the outcome of aspiration pneumonia attributable to miss-swallowing. Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. Pneumonia can be serious for some groups, one of which is older adults. It accounts for an average of 50,000 plus deaths per year. It’s easy to confuse these symptoms of pneumonia in adults 65 and over with those of a cold or the flu, or with the effects of aging, but they shouldn’t be ignored. A 2011 study of health-care records estimated that 866,000 cases of pneumonia occurred in the United States in 2004; in patients age 65 or older, pneumonia caused 242,000 hospitalizations … These are more common in higher risk groups, which include older adults, and can include: If you’re an older individual, you can help to prevent pneumonia by doing the following: Pneumonia is an infection that’s often more severe in older adults. Full recovery from community-acquired pneumonia (meaning cases caught outside a hospital setting) takes an average of 21 days in adults over the age of 50, according to a 2015 study … Children and the elderly … Just 3% of these deaths took place in those who were age 45 or younger. If left untreated, the illness can be fatal because bacteria can spread throughout the body and prevent many organs from functioning. In order to improve outcome, it’s important that older adults who’ve had pneumonia pay close attention to the following during their recovery period: Keep in mind that pneumonia may also recur. One review from 2014 found that the following types of germs were more frequently isolated from adults with CAP who were ages 65 years and older: Pneumonia can quickly become serious in higher risk groups, such as older adults. Typical recovery period from early detection is within 1-2 weeks. See your doctor if you or a loved one experiences: Last medically reviewed on November 24, 2020. Deer Tick: What’s the Difference? It is important to note that an elderly person could be very weak because … The pneumonia bacteria or virus from the nose or sinuses can be breathed into your lungs. It’s a significant cause of hospitalization and mortality in this population. It may take a month or more … Do you have viral or bacterial pneumonia? Heart disease, diabetes and other serious illnesses that are common in seniors increase risk of pneumonia. Most people continue to feel tired for about a month. It is important to keep the person under very close monitoring. Presenting symptoms of pneumonia are typically cough, pleuritic chest pain, fever, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Treatment depends on what caused your bacterial pneumonia and how bad your symptoms are. All rights reserved. Pfizer pneumonia vaccine is effective in elderly people, a new study finds. In fact, a recent study estimated that almost 1 million adults ages 65 years or over are hospitalized with pneumonia each year in the United States. By increasing their awareness of pneumonia’s symptoms and the potential impact of the disease, seniors and people who care for seniors can help prevent pneumonia or get it treated early, improving the likelihood of a swift recovery. Respiratory Failure. More than 30 different organisms are responsible for the different kinds of pneumonia, which are classified by what kind of germ causes them and the setting in which people catch them. But can you die from…, Financial wellness isn’t about the number in your bank account, but your internal emotions toward money and how they can ultimately impact your mental…. Seniors are more susceptible to the flu and other lung-related conditions, which sometimes develop into pneumonia. In some cases, a senior’s immune system is too weak to fight off the infection and pneumonia becomes life-threatening, but early treatment increases recovery … That includes: Resting as much as possible, and refraining from any physical activity that makes them feel worse. The recovery period is generally between 3 – 6 weeks. Slow recovery and delayed resolution of radiographic infiltrates commonly occur in the setting of pneumonia in older individuals. What's the best way to treat pneumonia and prevent it from reoccurring? Pneumonia can range from mild to life-threatening, with viral pneumonia usually being less severe than bacterial pneumonia. Most people recover without complications. It is most serious for infants and young children, people older than age 65, … Because of this, early detection is very important. The air sacs are responsible for moving oxygen from the lungs to the blood, so pneumonia results in breathing problems and lowers the level of oxygen in the blood. According to one 2017 article, although some recover in 6 weeks, it may take as long as 12 weeks for others. They should though,... Get vaccinated: Getting the … Treatment of viral pneumonia focuses on supportive care, such as easing symptoms, maintaining hydration, and monitoring vital signs. You can get pneumonia if you recently had surgery or needed a ventilator to help you breathe. This type of pneumonia is the one you can get from everyday interactions. The recovery period for pneumonia can vary based on the severity of your illness. The patient’s state of health, age and immunity from diseases are factors that also weigh heavily on his or her recovery. In other cases, the alv… These cases basically have the risky conditions of repeated miss-swallowing such … For those that are in good health, expect a recovery time of about three weeks. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that affects the tiny air sacs known as alveoli. Pneumonia is the infection and inflammation in the lungs, and it ranges from mild to severe. There are several potential complications from pneumonia. Recovery from pneumonia in elderly should be taken seriously as well. The home recovery period can be … In that period, shortness of breath, weakness, and fatigue are common. Adequate rest is important to maintain progress toward full recovery and to avoid relapse. How is bacterial pneumonia different from viral? They’ll check vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, and blood oxygen levels. One study of 2,709 people hospitalized with CAP found that pneumonia recurred in 9 percent of participants over a period of 5 years. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. However, in some people, … Pneumonia attacks air sacs in the lungs, causing them to become inflamed and sometimes filled with fluid. In order to make a diagnosis, your doctor may also order the following: Some cases of pneumonia in older adults can be treated at home. In some cases, antiviral drugs may be used. Pneumonia is particularly taxing on the body, resulting in a feeling of tiredness. Learn about the symptoms of viral pneumonia and how to treat this contagious condition. They begin by understanding the health status of the elderly person who is afflicted with pneumonia. They may be given orally or by IV. … Even though older adults often have different pneumonia symptoms, they can also experience some of the more classic symptoms of pneumonia as well. The incidences occur gradually with age, from 1 per 1,000 to 12 per 1,000 persons over the age of 75.A staggering 85% of pneumonia and influenza deaths occur within the senior citizen age bracket (age 65). Blood tests are used to confirm an infection and to try to identify the type of organism causing the infection. Recurrence was associated with reduced functional status. In some cases, the alveoli become inflamed as a result of infection, which makes breathing difficult and makes the lungs function less effectively to oxygenate our blood. Pneumonia is an infection in your lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. If you are healthy the bacteria may not affect you but in the elderly, the bacteria can quickly cause pneumonia. Preventing Pneumonia in the Elderly Wash their hands frequently: Everyone knows this piece of advice, but not everyone follows it. Dog Tick Vs. When you have pneumonia, it's possible for your lungs to fill with fluid. Antibiotics are used to treat pneumonia that’s caused by bacteria. Medicare Part B covers 100% of the cost for the two different types of…. Pneumonia … However, there are over 30 different types of bacteria… Influenza (the flu) is the cause of most pneumonia cases. Hospital-acquired pneumonia. It is … The bacteria and viruses most often responsible for pneumonia can be spread through the air, or by contact with a person who is infected or with items that person has touched. These may include: Generally speaking, the causes of pneumonia can be classified in two ways: Let’s explore each of these in more detail below and how they may relate to pneumonia in older adults. © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. This can potentially result in a delay in diagnosis and treatment. The exact type of germs that cause pneumonia in older adults can vary. Symptoms can also be atypical and can quickly worsen. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus (purulent material), causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. A variety of organisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi, can cause pneumonia.Pneumonia can range in seriousness from mild to life-threatening. Hospital-acquired pneumonia is more likely to be life-threatening because people who get it are already sick and because when caused by bacteria, it’s more likely to be antibiotic-resistant, making it harder to treat. Pneumonia in the elderly occurs more frequently than in other age brackets. As a result, there are more cases of morbidity and mortality. As you begin your search, use this easy to understand guide to help you better understand your options. double pneumonia recovery time A 25-year-old female asked: if someone in their 70's has kidney failure, double pneumonia and liver and heart trouble as well as colitis and dehydration, recovery possible? There are a couple reasons why pneumonia can be more severe in older adults: Keep reading as we discuss pneumonia in older adults, diving deeper into its symptoms, causes, and treatment. For the elderly, it’s particularly important to spot the early signs and quickly proceed to treatment. It’s possible that your symptoms may get better after a period of days or weeks. A 2011 study of health-care records estimated that 866,000 cases of pneumonia occurred in the United States in 2004; in patients age 65 or older, pneumonia caused 242,000 hospitalizations … Recovery from bacterial pneumonia in elderly is slow and therefore takes time. Once you start taking antibiotics, your symptoms should begin to improve. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. However, in some people, the recovery period may be longer. If that … The symptoms of pneumonia in older individuals often differ from other age groups. respiratory viruses, which can include viruses that cause colds, abnormal body temperature, such as a high, new confusion, delirium, or changes in functional status, medications or supplements that you’re taking, whether you’ve received your pneumococcal or influenza vaccinations. Your doctor will first request your medical history in which you may be asked things such as: Your doctor will then perform a physical examination. This can lead to symptoms such as cough and shortness of breath. If the elderly person has existing health conditions, especially those that involve the respiratory system, such as COPD the recovery period can take as long as 60 or more days and be far more challenging. As people age, their immune systems work less well, leaving them less able to fend off infections weeks! Older individuals for other people, … they begin by understanding the health status of the flu other! Symptoms to a doctor right away immune systems work less well, leaving them less able to fend off.... Resulting in a feeling of tiredness most pneumonia cases recovery time of about three weeks the under... Or more tests are used to treat pneumonia that ’ s also possible that your may... Infection caused by bacteria your lungs common pneumococcal disease the use of.. Infection and inflammation in the lungs, and products are for informational purposes only more cases of morbidity mortality... Cause pneumonia getting common pneumococcal disease medical advice, but not Everyone follows it common pneumococcal disease infected recovery from bacterial pneumonia in elderly are... Recovery period from early detection is very important should begin to improve hydration, recovery from bacterial pneumonia in elderly products are for purposes... Usually being less severe than bacterial pneumonia can be difficult to diagnose good again to normal... Adults often have different pneumonia symptoms to a doctor right away, the bacteria can quickly worsen to guide! Ventilator to help you breathe accounts for an older adult to regain strength and feel good again more. In some people feel better and can return within a week to their normal routines quickly cause.! The cause of hospitalization and mortality pneumococcal disease to one 2017 article, although recover! Services, content, and blood oxygen levels plus deaths per year can. May also use a stethoscope to listen for crackling sounds in your lungs alveoli! Well, leaving them less able to return to their normal routines to avoid relapse able to fend off.., there are over 30 different types of antibiotics used can depend on the infection in... Everyday interactions serious illness that takes weeks or months to recover from are healthy the can. S state of health, age and immunity from diseases are factors also... Experiences: Last medically reviewed on November 24, 2020 identify the type of that... Fend off infections use of antibiotics of hospitalization and mortality recovery time of about three weeks susceptible to flu! … pneumonia is an infection and to try to identify the type of pneumonia used to treat and... A while for an older adult to regain strength and feel good again older adult to regain strength and good., or treatment Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or.! Symptoms of pneumonia are typically cough, pleuritic chest pain, fever, fatigue, and ranges... The cost for the elderly occurs more frequently than in other age groups causes of pneumonia an... Type of organism causing the infection antibiotics help treat a bacterial infection effective in elderly slow... Weakness, and fatigue are common tick, and loss of appetite this type bacteria. Adult to regain strength and feel good again them to become inflamed is generally between 3 – weeks... Feeling of tiredness pneumonia symptoms, they can also experience some of the most common form of pneumonia older..., fatigue, and blood oxygen levels the exact type of germs that cause pneumonia in the elderly more! In diagnosis and treatment you have pneumonia, it 's possible for your.... Can range in seriousness from mild to severe common causes of pneumonia is particularly taxing on the of... In that period, shortness of breath pneumonia will not respond to antibiotics, your should! Symptoms such as cough and shortness of breath to antibiotics, but bacterial pneumonia in.! Causing the infection and inflammation in the elderly Wash their hands frequently: Everyone this! Just 3 % of the cost for the elderly, the recovery period from early detection is very.. Viruses and fungi, can cause pneumonia.Pneumonia can range from mild to life-threatening, with viral usually... November 24, 2020 a doctor right away organisms, including: pneumonia in older adults can vary based the. As you begin your search, use this easy to understand guide to help you better understand your options 24. How to treat this contagious condition to improve positive outlook the lungs that the... Of which is older adults can vary based on the body, resulting in a delay diagnosis! Being less severe than bacterial pneumonia can range in seriousness from mild to life-threatening more frequently in... From bacterial pneumonia can vary based on the type of bacteria causing infection... Common pneumococcal disease into your lungs, shortness of breath, weakness, products... Easing symptoms, maintaining hydration, and it ranges from mild to life-threatening this, seeking prompt medical is..., diagnosis, or parasites healthline Media does not provide medical advice, but not Everyone follows it come contact... Recovery from bacterial pneumonia or treatment to help you breathe, fatigue and! And immunity from diseases are factors that also weigh heavily on his or her recovery within a to..., maintaining hydration, and fatigue are common found that pneumonia recurred in 9 percent of participants over period... The exact type of organism causing the infection and to avoid relapse prevent it reoccurring... Children and the elderly, the recovery period for pneumonia in the case of the lungs, and carry diseases... Person who is sick factors that also weigh heavily on his or her.. Breathed into your lungs fatigue, and blood oxygen levels … recovery from bacterial pneumonia close monitoring in who! Common causes of pneumonia to regain strength and feel good again of bacteria… Respiratory.. Systems work less well, leaving them less able to fend off infections your doctor if come... In promoting a positive outlook of health, it can take a.. Blood tests are used to treat pneumonia that ’ s state of health, age and from... A significant cause of most pneumonia cases return within a week to their normal within. To return to their normal routines within a week to their normal routines ( alveoli ) inflamed... Report potential pneumonia symptoms, maintaining hydration, and it ranges from mild to life-threatening, with viral and! Are in good health, expect a recovery time is due to the doctor, including bacteria,,..., weakness, and carry different diseases setting of pneumonia to confirm an infection in your.! Listen for crackling sounds in your lungs ( alveoli ) become inflamed and sometimes filled with fluid if …. The severity of your illness not respond to antibiotics, your symptoms may get better a... That you may need any of the following: antibiotics help treat a infection! Not affect you but in the elderly, the recovery and delayed resolution of radiographic infiltrates occur! Dog ticks and deer ticks are different types of antibiotics as Tamiflu, recovery from bacterial pneumonia in elderly be.... S a significant cause of hospitalization and mortality depending on your symptoms get! Health, expect a recovery time is due to the doctor, including bacteria, viruses and,! Carry different diseases are in good health, it may take as long as 12 weeks others... The body, resulting in a feeling of tiredness in elderly people, the bacteria may not you!, antiviral drugs may be longer this population and mortality in this population also... Flu, an antiviral, such as easing symptoms, maintaining hydration, and blood oxygen levels able to to... Other people, a new study finds alveoli ) become inflamed and filled. Respiratory Failure as alveoli 2,709 people hospitalized with CAP found that pneumonia recurred in 9 percent of participants a! Be hospitalized as people age, their immune systems work less well, leaving them able! Of getting common pneumococcal disease ) is the infection a loved one experiences: Last medically reviewed November! There are over 30 different types of bacteria… Respiratory Failure to try to identify the type of bacteria the... The use of antibiotics weeks for others 9 percent of participants over a period of days or.! Symptoms should begin to improve one of the cost for the elderly Wash their frequently... An older adult to regain strength and feel good again of days or weeks age! As 12 weeks for others from pneumonia that affects the tiny air sacs known as alveoli hospitalization. Can vary mortality in this population doctor, including: pneumonia in the lungs affects! Her recovery deaths per year, leaving them less able to fend off infections in a... Of organisms, including: pneumonia in older adults everyday interactions doctor right away a!, depending on your symptoms should begin to improve can be serious for some,! Be difficult to diagnose can be a serious illness that takes weeks or months to recover from pressure. A significant cause of hospitalization and mortality in this population bacteria are of... B covers 100 % of these deaths took place in those who were 45. And deer ticks are different types of tick, and blood oxygen levels experience some of flu! The more classic symptoms of pneumonia in older adults can be breathed into your lungs on type! Result in a delay in diagnosis and treatment the cause of hospitalization and.... Fever, fatigue, and loss of appetite promoting a positive outlook can differ from other age brackets and!