Pneumonia is the largest infectious killer of adults. Statistics from 2021 indicate that it took the lives of 2.2 million people that year alone. It is a disease that is most deadly for the very young and the very old, so providing care with home care assistance and family for your aging loved one and knowing what pneumonia looks like and sounds like can be key to keeping your loved one protected from this deadly infection.
On Nov 12 each year, World Pneumonia Day is observed to bring awareness regarding this condition and help find solutions and cures.
What is Pneumonia
Most people have heard of pneumonia but may not understand what it is or how it occurs. Pneumonia is an infection that occurs in the air sacs of the lungs and inflames them. The air sacs become full of fluid, causing a bad cough that is accompanied by phlegm or pus. It can develop from many forms of bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
For those with weakened immune systems, it can escalate quickly and impede their ability to breathe, making the need for quality care, like home care assistance, vital.
Pneumonia Symptoms
For many, pneumonia begins as something else. It can be a bad cough, a cold, or the flu. It might act a lot like a simple cold in the beginning with many similar symptoms, but with pneumonia, the symptoms last longer than a standard cold and continue to get worse.
- Cough that usually contains phlegm. The cough can be non-stop and make it impossible for your loved one to sleep at night or rest during the day.
- Pain in the chest when breathing. It can hurt to take a deep breath.
- Shortness of breath.
- For the elderly, it often causes confusion or changes in their mental awareness.
- Fever with shaking and sweating.
- Some seniors have a lower body temperature as their bodies battle pneumonia.
- Nausea and vomiting.
Pneumonia Risk Factors
Unfortunately, simply being over the age of 65 puts your loved one at greater risk for developing pneumonia. In addition to his age, other factors can increase his risk of developing this infection.
- Having a chronic disease such as COPD, asthma, or heart disease.
- Being hospitalized, especially if a ventilator was needed.
- Being a smoker.
- Having a weakened immune system.
Protecting Your Loved One from Pneumonia
- Talk to your loved one’s doctor about being vaccinated against the infection. Vaccines are available to protect against some strains.
- Practice good hygiene both while in the home and while out. Your loved one should wash his hands regularly or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when he cannot find a place to wash his hands. Anyone who visits his home should wash their hands upon entering the home, including family, friends, and all home care assistance providers.
- A home care assistance provider can also help with sanitizing surfaces around the home to prevent germs from waiting for your elderly loved one on doorknobs, faucets, and TV remotes.
- Practice healthy lifestyle choices for a strong immune system. Talk to your home care assistance provider about making sure your loved one eats healthy meals, gets daily exercise, and plenty of sleep. Those three habits can build an immune system.
- Quit smoking. If your loved one is a smoker, help him find the resources he needs to quit. It might be difficult, but stopping smoking will provide multiple health benefits.
If you or an aging loved one needs Home Care Assistance in Fair Oaks, CA, contact A Better Living Home Care today (916) 514-7006
Sources:
- Know the Symptoms of Pneumonia - November 7, 2024
- Nighttime Delirium Symptoms and Home Treatment - October 29, 2024
- 5 Things That Make Exercise Easier For Seniors At Home - October 23, 2024
