Treatment for Pneumonia in Elderly People Whether the disease is viral or bacterial, pneumonia is treated with rest, nutritious food, and lots of fluids, as well as medication to treat bothersome symptoms like a fever or pain. Viral pneumonia may also be treated with antiviral medications.

How do you treat pneumonia in elderly at home?

How to Treat Pneumonia in Seniors

1. Rest. Your body is able to fight off germs when you get adequate sleep.
2. Hydration. Keeping your body well hydrated can prevent the build-up of mucus in the lungs.
3. Follow doctor’s orders. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics if the pneumonia is caused by bacteria.

How long does it take to recover from pneumonia in the elderly?

Recovery of pneumonia in older adults can be a long process. According to one 2017 article, although some recover in 6 weeks, it may take as long as 12 weeks for others. It is important to rest for as long as possible during recovery. The fever should have resolved.

How serious is pneumonia 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].

Can an 80 year old survive pneumonia?

Pneumonia can be life-threatening to seniors exposed to bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It is most dangerous for people older than age 65 because seniors tend to have health issues or weakened immune systems.

How can you tell if an elderly person has pneumonia?

Signs and symptoms of pneumonia may include: Chest pain when you breathe or cough. Confusion or changes in mental awareness (in adults age 65 and older) Cough, which may produce phlegm.

What are the danger signs of pneumonia?

The signs and symptoms of pneumonia may include:

• Cough, which may produce greenish, yellow or even bloody mucus.
• Fever, sweating and shaking chills.
• Shortness of breath.
• Rapid, shallow breathing.
• Sharp or stabbing chest pain that gets worse when you breathe deeply or cough.
• Loss of appetite, low energy, and fatigue.

Can an 85 year old recover from pneumonia?

Most seniors who develop pneumonia recover from it. But how long it takes to recover depends on many factors, including what bacteria or virus caused it and whether the person is frail or has additional health conditions that make recovery more difficult.

Is walking good for pneumonia?

To complement and extend these findings, we have added evidence that walking for >1 h daily can reduce pneumonia-related mortality even among older people who lack other exercise habits.

How can I recover from pneumonia faster?

Tips for regaining your strength after severe pneumonia

1. Get plenty of rest.
2. Slowly start moving around once you’re ready — but don’t overdo it.
3. Complete any (and all) treatments prescribed by your doctor.
4. Eat a nutritious diet.
5. Quit smoking and avoid second-hand smoke.

What food is good for pneumonia?

A diet rich in protein is beneficial for the people suffering from pneumonia. Foods like nuts, seeds, beans, white meat and cold water fishes like salmon and sardines have anti-inflammatory properties. They also in repairing the damaged tissues and building the new tissues in the body.

How serious is fluid on the lungs in elderly?

Having fluid in the lungs can be scary, dangerous, and deeply uncomfortable. As each breath draws fluid into the lungs instead of air, the resulting shortness of breath may feel like drowning. Fluid in lungs of the elderly is quite common, and it’s often difficult to treat.

How long do elderly stay in hospital with pneumonia?

The average hospital stay for pneumonia in elderly patients can be as long as 3-5 weeks, depending on the patient’s response to treatment and whether complications arise.