Pneumonia is a serious condition of the lungs especially if it occurs in elders aged 65 years and above. In fact, this age group is recommended a shot of the vaccine which can avert the onset of pneumonia. Many cases which begin as a less intense form of the infection often get complicated and become fatal in case of elders. The detection of the condition of upper respiratory tract infection as pneumonia is often done when the infection has advanced considerably. This is due to the symptoms of pneumonia in the elders being more subtle than in youngsters. This can cause late diagnosis while the symptoms are persisting within for a long time. The delayed commencement of treatment could lead to longer duration for cure and other complications as well. 

In elders, the first apparent symptoms are fever similar to that in flu and cough. These are subtle and not very obvious which could warrant immediate medical attention. Merck Geriatric Manual states that in almost 33 to 60 percent of the elders, high fever is experienced with the onset of pneumonia. Sometimes the patients may experience body temperature below normal and with no other history of recurring fever. Often the symptoms which can lead to pneumonia are given less importance as compared to those related to heart rate becoming rapid or increase in the rate of breathing.

The physical symptoms are usually less pronounced. But elders exhibit pronounced symptoms related to the mental or cognitive aspects. They tend to demonstrate a state of confusion, delirium and sometimes disorientation as well.

In most cases, the patient complains of excessive tiredness or weakness. In older people, many suffer from different disorders of the heart either from a while or which may begin alongside the infection of pneumonia. The condition of these pulmonary disorders worsens with the progress of time which may go unnoticed. Hence, the main risk that elders suffer with the onset of pneumonia is worsening health complications with other preexisting conditions.

It has been brought out by the Merck Geriatric Manual that the condition of pneumonia in elders tends to become serious and may also become fatal due to the direct relation that it has with the number of other co-morbid ailments. It is therefore important to take note of even subtle changes in the health of elders and evaluate it by consulting a doctor when in doubt. This can avert the possibility of late diagnosis and prolonged treatment of infections like pneumonia.

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