La polmonite nell'anziano

Pneumonia represents the fourth cause of death in older patients. More severe than in the youngest population and characterized by greater mortality, pneumonia in the elderly requires often hospitalization. Besides age, the greater risk factor for its development is the presence of comorbidities that can also influence complications and mortality. Variable is the incidence per year. In the elderly signs and symptoms of pneumonia are in the elderly often atypical (cough with poor secretion, confusion, lethargy, and deterioration of the general condition often without fever). The etiologic diagnosis requires sputum culture and blood culture while the chest X-ray is the gold standard for patients' evaluation. In 30 to 50% of cases no pathogens are identifiable. The treatment (correct use of antibiotics, oxygen-therapy, parenteral nutrition) should carry out a global evaluation of the patient considering all the conditions that can modify the prognosis (age, pre-existing pathology, previous antibiotic therapies). Prevention requires hygienic rule, care of the nutritional status, and the flue and pneumococcal vaccinations.