Anyone can contract pneumonia, with symptoms that range in severity from moderate to. Seniors are more likely to Stages of Pneumonia and suffer severe complications. Because of this risk, senior care providers must recognize early signs of pneumonia for seniors.
They should also be aware of the four stages of pneumonia so that they can seek immediate medical attention from a licensed health professional.
What is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia can describe as an inflammation of the lungs of one or both. That is brought on by viruses, bacteria, or other less common kinds of infections. So The condition causes the air sacs of the lungs to get inflame and filled with pus or fluid and can lead to:
- Cough
- Fever
- Chills
- Chest pain
- Troubles breathing
- Other signs
Pneumonia is classified according to the lung area that it is affecting. Bronchial pneumonia often referred to as bronchopneumonia, is a condition that affects both lungs.
Lobar pneumonia is a condition that affects the lobes or segments of the lungs. Therefore It is classified into four stages based on the progression of the disease.
Stages of Pneumonia
Four stages in lobar pneumonia are:
- Stage 1: Congestion
- In the phase of congestion, the lungs get dense and constricted because of the infectious fluid built up in the air sacs. At this point, so the person you love dearly may be suffering from early symptoms of pneumonia-like:
- Coughing
- The sensation of heaviness is felt in the chest.
- Appetite loss
- Fatigue
- Rapid breathing
- Stage 2: Hepatocellular redness
- The immune and red blood cells that can enter the lungs and are filled with fluid to fight the illness cause the lungs to appear red. While the body is beginning to fight infection at this phase, the patient might experience more severe symptoms like:
- A more productive and frequent cough
- Breathlessness
- Muscles hurt
- Headache
- Extreme fatigue
- Fever
- Chills
- Sweating
Fingernails or lips that are blue because of the low levels of oxygen in the blood
- A few older adults may suffer from delirium or confusion at this phase. If your loved one’s senior is experiencing severe symptoms like trouble breathing, high temperature, fingernails, or blue lips, you must seek medical attention or call 9-1-1.
- 3. Stage: Gray Hepatization
- Red blood cells break down in this phase which gives the lungs a grayish-colored color. But immune cells are still present, and the symptoms are likely to remain.
- Stage 4: Resolution
- As the revolution progresses, So it is possible for seniors to feel better as immune cells clear their bodies of the infection. They may also develop a productive cough which helps in the removal of fluid from the lung.
A Prompt Diagnosis for Proper Treatment
If you think the person, you love may be suffering from pneumonia, it is best to contact a physician immediately.
A quicker diagnosis could lead to quicker treatment and improved outcomes, particularly for older adults who are more likely to suffer from serious complications.
A doctor will conduct a physical examination and may request diagnostic tests using imaging to prove the condition’s existence. So The treatment plan will be based on whether the pneumonia was cause by viruses, bacteria, or other forms of infections.
- It can develop slowly or suddenly and is usually treat with antibiotics.
- Viral pneumonia is usually see over many days and can cause by flu-like symptoms.
- Antibiotics do not work against viruses. Therefore it is typically treat with supportive treatment options like more fluid intake, non-prescription medicines, and rest.
Seniors with serious symptoms of pneumonia or another health issue may need to be admitted to a hospital. Treatment could comprise IV (IV) antibiotics, respiratory therapy, and oxygen therapy in the hospital. Therefore The doctors will also be on the lookout for any signs of complications.
Pneumonia Recovery
The recovery process from pneumonia can be a long process or more, and it could be even longer for older adults to be back to normal, particularly if they suffer from a chronic medical condition. So Suppose your elderly loved one has suffered from an illness like pneumonia.
In that case, he might require short-term or ongoing senior care to help with bathing or grooming, dressing, food preparation, shopping, and other chores around the house that require a little effort.
Engaging a professional caregiver in your loved ones’ recovery will ensure that your loved one’s needs for personal care are taken care of by a trained professional and will give you peace of assurance. Your loved one’s caregiver will be watching out for potential symptoms of pneumonia and prompt you to be alerted.
The Visiting Angels care coordinators are willing to talk with you about the needs of your loved ones during the complimentary in-home care consultation.
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