Pneumonia is a devastating infection in elderly patients and is among the most frequent postoperative complications following geriatric intertrochanteric fracture surgery. It was reported that the rate of pneumonia within 30 days after hip fracture surgery ranges from 4.1% to 11.9%.Sep 8, 2020

• Pneumonia after surgery in elderly patients is not only more common but also has a worse outcome. If you have uncontrolled diabetes, you are at a higher risk of getting infections including pneumonia. If you have an underlying lung disease such as COPD, your lungs are more vulnerable to getting pneumonia after surgery.

A situation similar to developing pneumonia after surgery involves the elderly who, while recuperating in bed, often are unable to clear their lungs properly. In this case, particles laden with bacteria can pass from the pharynx through the trachea into the air passages instead of the esophagus. This problem can also result to pneumonia.

How serious is pneumonia after surgery?

Getting pneumonia after surgery can be quite serious . According to the CDC, studies have suggested that pneumonia acquired in the hospital can be fatal as often as 33% of the time.

What are symptoms of postoperative pneumonia?

Other symptoms may include: A cough with greenish or pus-like phlegm (sputum) Fever and chills. General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling (malaise) Loss of appetite. Nausea and vomiting. Sharp chest pain that gets worse with deep breathing or coughing. Shortness of breath . Decreased blood pressure and fast heart rate.

How long are you at risk for pneumonia after surgery?

It often requires treatment with antibiotics and lengthens the time until the patient is well enough to leave the hospital. Pneumonia after surgery is a very serious problem because 20% to 40% of affected patients die within 30 days of surgery .

What is the prognosis for 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].

Does intubation cause pneumonia?

The presence of endotracheal tubes and duration of this intervention have been associated with the highest risk (2, 3) of developing nosocomial pneumonia , and the procedure of intubation itself increases this risk significantly, as has been demonstrated in patients requiring reintubation (2, 4, 5).

Should you lay down if you have pneumonia?

A mild case of pneumonia in an otherwise healthy person may not require active treatment, although you should always see your doctor to make sure. Drinking enough fluids and resting (sitting up rather than lying down ) may be enough to let your immune system get on with making you better.

How can I prevent pneumonia after surgery?

How does surgery increase the risk? Move! Take care of your mouth and teeth. Always keep the head of your hospital bed at a 30-degree angle. Do your deep breathing and coughing exercises. When you are awake, use your incentive spirometer 10 times every hour.

What are the 4 stages of pneumonia?

There are four stages of pneumonia , which are consolidation, red hepatization, grey hepatization and resolution.

How can I prevent chest infection after surgery?

Reminding yourself to breathe deeply after your operation and to cough at regular intervals helps prevent a chest infection . A physiotherapist may work with you after your surgery to prevent or treat a chest infection . cough more effectively to keep your chest clear.

Is it easy to get pneumonia after surgery?

Postoperative pneumonia is a common complication of surgery , and is associated with marked morbidity and mortality. Despite advances in surgical and anesthetic technique, it persists as a frequent postoperative complication. Many studies have aimed to assess its burden, as well as associated risk factors.

What is the most common complication of pneumonia?

Even with treatment, some people with pneumonia, especially those in high-risk groups, may experience complications, including: Bacteria in the bloodstream ( bacteremia ). Difficulty breathing . Fluid accumulation around the lungs ( pleural effusion ). Lung abscess.

Can you have surgery when you have pneumonia?

Examples of Conditions that May Delay Surgery Include: Pneumonia or bronchitis within a month before surgery . Stomach virus or flu. Fever. Asthma attack or wheezing within two weeks before surgery .

How serious is pneumonia in the elderly?

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can be serious in older adults . In the U.S., nearly 250,000 people are hospitalized with pneumonia each year, and about 50,000 die from the disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Seniors are at high risk for complications and death.

How does pneumonia kill elderly?

Pneumonia , an infection of the lungs, kills more than 50,000 Americans a year, the majority of whom are 65 or older. Pneumonia attacks air sacs in the lungs, causing them to become inflamed and sometimes filled with fluid.

Can a 90 year old recover from pneumonia?

When you are caring for a senior with pneumonia , you can expect a recovery time as long as six to eight weeks. This increased recovery time is due to the weakened state of the elderly with the illness and their body’s inability to fight off the bacteria that pneumonia produces in their lungs.