[Infective pneumopathies in old age]

The present paper focuses main and different aspects of pneumonia in the elderly, in relation to our recent experience in this field. Presentation, clinical features, cause and therapeutic aspects in geriatric age have important peculiarities (increased incidence of infection and non infection complications, and mortality). In the elderly patient pneumonia with slow resolution is a frequent occurrence. For a correct therapy is essential to distinguish between nosocomial and community acquired pneumonia. In our experience supportive measures seems important as much effective antibiotic therapy that can be carried out with different drugs: cephalosporins, macrolides, penicillines plus beta-lactamasi inhibitors; in case of nosocomial pneumonia and of 'difficult' germs, is more rationale to use antibiotic associations (also with aminoglycosides and/or chinolonics).