Pneumonia in the elderly: a review.
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.
D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D001999:Bronchoscopy; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D013183:Sputum / Q000382:microbiology
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D007252:Influenza Vaccines