Every year, three million people develop pneumonia in the U.S. Over half are admitted to a hospital for treatment, and of these, about 5% die. Among the population with the highest risk factor? Adults age 65-plus. As flu season began in 2009, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) noted that many people who died from the H1N1 (or swine flu) virus, were also infected with the pneumonia bacteria.
"It is important that adults recognize their personal risk for pneumonia," said William Schaffner, M.D., chairman of the Department of Preventive Medicine at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and president-elect of the National Foundation for Infectious Disease. "It is essential to be able to identify its symptoms and take preventive measures."
What is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. The disease can range from mild to severe, and in some cases may be fatal. Pneumonia can be spread in numerous ways, the most common being airborne droplets from a cough or sneeze.
People with pneumonia often complain of coughing, fever, shortness of breath and chest pain. Complications of pneumonia may include bacterial infection in the bloodstream and fluid and infection around the lungs.
Testing for Pneumonia
There are quite a number of tests to check for pneumonia:
Stethoscope--The first step is the doctor listening to the lungs. Lungs that are infected often sound with wheezing and crackling.
Chest X-ray--Doctors look for patches of unclarity on X-rays of the lungs. When both lungs are infected, the term "double pneumonia" used to be used, but it's rare to hear the term today.
Sputum samples--The sputum (or spit) is checked for fungi and/or bacteria.
Bronchoscopy--Using a local anesthetic, the doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube down the nose and examines the nasal passages and the lungs. The doctor can also obtain a specimen to examine.
WBC test--The WBC, or white blood count, is likely to be elevated when pneumonia is present.
Tips for Staying Healthy
One of the most important rules for an older adult in terms of preventing pneumonia is getting vaccinated against it. Because pneumonia doesn't constantly change form, it's generally not necessary to get a new vaccine every year as it is with flu shots. Even adults who can't have flu shots for various reasons usually can get a shot against pneumonia. Each senior should check with their doctor about such a step in their health care regimen.
Healthy living habits are important and include:
- Washing hands frequently
- Covering your mouth when you cough
- Not smoking
- Maintaining a healthy diet
- Exercising regularly
- Drinking alcohol in moderation
- Getting enough sleep
- Going regularly for health check-ups
An excellent source of information on pneumonia is the CDC. There are extensive details and recommendations there.
 |
