Pneumonia in the elderly: a review

Abstract

Elderly persons are at increased risk of acquiring pneumonia. Morbidity and mortality rates from pneumonia are also higher. Clinical manifestations of pneumonia in the elderly are frequently very subtle; however, a high index of suspicion will induce the physician to obtain a chest roentgenogram. A new lung infiltrate will confirm the diagnosis. Although the Gram's stain of a sputum smear is most helpful in the initial selection of a specific antibiotic, a good quality sputum is not usually available in the elderly, and empiric therapy reduces the morbidity and mortality from pneumonia.