Pneumonia means inflammation of the lungs. Pneumonia can be caused by any type of germ – bacteria, viruses or fungi. As pneumonia is more common in children, it is also a serious disease in the elderly. It is often seen that the eldest person in the family dies suddenly due to pneumonia. He has become so ill again, he has to be taken to the ICU of the hospital.
Patients with diabetes, asthma or chronic bronchitis, those who have received chemotherapy or immune modulating drugs, those who cannot walk or those who are bedridden are at increased risk of pneumonia. Paralyzed patients cannot swallow food and water properly. It causes sudden danger of food water going into the lungs. This is called aspiration pneumonia. It often enters the trachea from the bedridden old person's inability to expel his own saliva and phlegm; This also causes pneumonia. Pneumonia prevention should be given special attention when caring for the elderly person at home.
Do not rush to feed the elderly. Ask to eat slowly and take time. Elderly people should never eat while lying down or semi-sleeping. Feed little by little while sitting or propped up with a pillow. If swallowing is very difficult, consult a doctor about using a nasogastric tube rather than force feeding. This is especially true for stroke patients.
Make sure diabetes is under control. Infections are often more common when sugar is high. Elderly people become malnourished because they cannot eat. Plan balanced meals with proper calories. Sometimes it is possible to fill it up if hemoglobin, vitamins and minerals are reduced in the blood.
Do not sneeze and cough in the house of sick and old people, more entry of outsiders is prohibited. Clean your hands and serve him.
Pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations are recommended for the elderly, frail and ill. It reduces the risk a lot.
If symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, sudden loss of consciousness etc. occur, seek medical attention immediately. Even a minor cold, cough, fever can become serious in elderly people.
Author: Specialist doctor
