Pneumonia in the elderly: a review
Raju, L.; Khan, F.
Geriatrics 43(10): 51-56; 59-62
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0016-867X PMID: 3047013 Document Number: 321995
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.