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Altered host response and special infections in the elderly
1University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pennsylvania.
Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America
|May 1, 1990
Summary
Elderly patients often present atypical symptoms during infections, complicating diagnosis and treatment. Understanding these age-related physiological changes is crucial for emergency physicians managing geriatric infections.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Infection is a leading cause of emergency department visits and hospitalizations in older adults.
- Aging is associated with altered physiological responses to infection compared to younger individuals.
Observation:
- Elderly patients may not exhibit classic signs and symptoms of infection.
- A diminished physiological response in the elderly can mask or delay infection diagnosis.
Findings:
- Specific age-related dysfunctions increase the susceptibility of older adults to certain infections.
- Recognizing atypical presentations is key for effective geriatric infection management.
Implications:
- This understanding aids emergency physicians in diagnosing and treating infections in the elderly more effectively.
- Improved recognition of atypical infectious presentations can lead to better patient outcomes and reduced hospital admissions.