Why Pneumonia Often Strikes Older Adults

Former President George H.W. Bush was hospitalized on Jan. 14 following a bout of pneumonia, CNN reported Jan. 18. In addition, Bush’s wife, former first lady Barbara Bush, was admitted to the hospital as a precaution because she was experiencing “fatigue and coughing,” according to CNN. The 41st president turned 92 last summer, and Barbara Bush is 91. Why does pneumonia often strike older adults? [27 Devastating Infectious Diseases] One reason is that a person’s immunity declines after age 50, “so it wouldn’t be surprising if someone who’s over 90 would have a reduced immunity,” said Dr. Len Horovitz, a pulmonary specialist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City who has not treated either of the Bushes. Pneumonia, which is characterized by inflammation of the lungs, is more common in the winter, Horovitz told Live Science. And, there are also many other respiratory illnesses, including the flu and common cold viruses, that are circulating at this time of year, he said. Doctors “always hospitalize” elderly individuals if they get pneumonia, and hospitalization is particularly important if the person also has other medical problems, Horovitz said. Although he isn’t familiar with Bush’s specific health conditions, Horovitz noted that the former president uses a wheelchair. This could mean that Bush also has neurological health problems, which could in turn mean that his cough may not be as effective at cle...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news