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.

What is the first line treatment for pneumonia?

First-line antibiotics that might be selected include the macrolide antibiotics azithromycin (Zithromax) or clarithromycin (Biaxin XL); or the tetracycline known as doxycycline.

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 for an elderly person to recover from pneumonia?

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.

What is the most effective treatment for pneumonia?

The main treatment for pneumonia is antibiotics, along with rest and drinking plenty of water. If you have chest pain, you can take pain killers such as paracetamol. Treatment depends on how severe your pneumonia is. Treatment with antibiotics should be started as soon as possible after diagnosis.

What are the 4 stages of pneumonia?

Stage 1: Congestion. Stage 2: Red hepatization. Stage 3: Grey hepatization. Stage 4: Resolution.

What is the drug of choice for pneumonia?

When administered at adequate dosage and frequency, penicillin remains the drug of choice for the treatment of pneumococcal pneumonia, despite the increasing prevalence of penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae strains.

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.

What are the symptoms of dying from pneumonia?

The most common physical symptoms are:

• feeling more severely out of breath.
• reducing lung function making breathing harder.
• having frequent flare-ups.
• finding it difficult to maintain a healthy body weight due to loss of appetite.
• feeling more anxious and depressed.

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.

How bad does pneumonia have to be to be hospitalized?

Pneumonia can be life-threatening if left untreated, especially for certain at-risk people. You should call your doctor if you have a cough that won’t go away, shortness of breath, chest pain, or a fever. You should also call your doctor if you suddenly begin to feel worse after having a cold or the flu.

How serious is pneumonia in 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].

How long do you stay in hospital with pneumonia?

How long will I need to be in the hospital? Most people are well enough to leave the hospital within about 3 days. Many factors contribute to your treatment plan, however. Some people can go home earlier, and some need to stay longer.

How long does it take for lungs to heal after pneumonia?

Pneumonia and its complications can wreak havoc on a person’s lungs and body. And, it can take anywhere from one to six months for a person to recover and regain strength after being hospitalized for pneumonia.

How do you get rid of pneumonia from Covid?

Are There Treatments for COVID-19 Pneumonia? Pneumonia may need treatment in a hospital with oxygen, a ventilator to help you breathe, and intravenous (IV) fluids to prevent dehydration.

What happens if pneumonia is left untreated?

The combination of infected fluid and pus puts pressure on the lungs, again making it more difficult and painful to breathe. Untreated pneumonia can also lead to a lung abscess, where part of the lung tissue dies. And, in very rare cases, respiratory failure can occur.