They believe it has to do with the normal aging process, which weakens the immune system and decreases lung function. Older adults also often have other underlying health conditions that can make pneumonia more severe, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and heart disease.

Why do elderly get pneumonia more?

As people age, their immune systems work less well, leaving them less able to fend off infections. Heart disease, diabetes and other serious illnesses that are common in seniors increase risk of pneumonia. Seniors are more susceptible to the flu and other lung-related conditions, which sometimes develop into pneumonia.

Is pneumonia more common in older adults?

Pneumonia is an infection that’s often more severe in older adults. It’s a significant cause of hospitalization and mortality in this population. The symptoms of pneumonia in older individuals often differ from other age groups.

Why does pneumonia have such a high mortality rate in the elderly?

Pneumonia in the elderly happens fast and the prognosis is poor, and elderly are susceptible to severe Pneumonia. The mortality rate for severe pneumonia is as high as 20% [4]. The principal cause of the death is respiratory insufficiency [5].

What age group is pneumonia most common in?

Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs. It can be mild or serious. Pneumonia is generally more common in children younger than 5 years old.

What is the most common cause of community acquired pneumonia?

Worldwide, Streptococcus pneumoniae is a bacteria that is most often responsible for CAP in adults. Some other common bacteria that cause CAP are: Haemophilus influenzae. Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

Can pneumonia trigger dementia?

Longitudinal studies have found that hospitalization for common infections, such as pneumonia and urinary tract infections, is associated with at least 1.4-fold higher risk for dementia in otherwise well-functioning older adults [1; 2].

Who is susceptible to pneumonia?

Certain people are more likely to become ill with pneumonia: adults 65 years or older; children younger than 5 years old; people who have ongoing medical conditions (like asthma, diabetes or heart disease); and people who smoke cigarettes.

Why do people get pneumonia?

Pneumonia and your lungs Most pneumonia occurs when a breakdown in your body’s natural defenses allows germs to invade and multiply within your lungs. To destroy the attacking organisms, white blood cells rapidly accumulate. Along with bacteria and fungi, they fill the air sacs within your lungs (alveoli).

What typically increases with aging?

Changes in Metabolism At the same time, total body fat typically increases with age. This often can be explained by lower metabolic rate in addition to too many calories. As people age, fat tends to concentrate in the trunk and as fat deposits around the vital organs.

Can you get pneumonia from sitting too much?

Lying flat on your back for a long time can increase your risk of developing pneumonia. So find out when it’s safe for you to start sitting up and walking around. Do breathing exercises.

What is the death rate of pneumonia?

Most people do eventually recover from pneumonia. However, the 30-day mortality rate is 5 to 10 percent of hospitalized patients. It can be up to 30 percent in those admitted to intensive care.

How can pneumonia be prevented?

You can help prevent pneumonia by doing the following:

1. Get the flu vaccine each year. People can develop bacterial pneumonia after a case of the flu.
2. Get the pneumococcal vaccine.
3. Practice good hygiene.
4. Don’t smoke.
5. Practice a healthy lifestyle.
6. Avoid sick people.

Is viral or bacterial pneumonia more common?

Viral pneumonia is more prevalent and accounts for between 13% and 50% of cases and bacterial pneumonia accounts for between 8% – 13%. To read more about the risk factors and symptoms of pneumonia, click here.

Can you catch pneumonia from someone who has it?

Pneumonia is contagious just like a cold or flu when it is caused by infectious microbes. However, pneumonia is not contagious when the cause is related to a type of poisoning like inhalation of chemical fumes.

How common is pneumonia in the world?

Pneumonia is a common respiratory infection, affecting approximately 450 million people a year and occurring in all parts of the world.