The former President George H.W. Bush was hospitalized on Jan. 14 because of pneumonia, CNN reported Jan. 18. Additionally, Bush's wife, previous first lady Barbara Bush, was admitted to the hospital as a provision because she was suffering "exhaustion and coughing," per CNN. The 41st president turned 92 last summer, and Barbara Bush is 91. Why does pneumonia often strike older adults?
One cause is that a person's immunity decays after age 50, "so it wouldn't be shocking if someone who's over 90 would have a less immunity," said Dr. Len Horovitz, a pulmonary specialist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City who has not encounter either of the "Bushes".
Weather, Aging And Immune System Can Contribute Or Be A Source Of Pneumonia
Pneumonia, which is categorized by inflammation of the lungs, is common in the winter, Horovitz told Live Science. And, there are also many other lung illnesses, including the flu and cold viruses, that are mingling now of year, he said. Doctors "always hospitalize" elderly folks if they get pneumonia, and hospitalization is mostly important if the person also has other medical issues, Horovitz said.
Although he isn't acquainted with Bush's specific health situations, Horovitz distinguished the former president uses a wheelchair. This could mean that Bush also has neurological health problems too? Which means, it could mean that his cough may not be as effective at clearing mucus or secretions from the lungs as someone who is stronger, he said.
Contamination From A Pneumonia Carrier Virus
Exactly what action is used for someone with pneumonia depends on whether that person's disease is caused by a virus, Horovitz said. Virus-related pneumonia tends to be more infectious, but also typically causes a less severe infection than bacterial pneumonia, he said. Oftentimes, doctors will give a patient an antibiotic - even before test results will determine if the cause is viral or bacterial - "to cover, just in case it does turn out to microbial," he said.
Bacterial pneumonia, for example, can get into a person's circulation and spread through the body, Horovitz said. Problems can include kidney failure and abscess formation, he said. The sickness can trigger a force of events that lead to "a multipronged assault" on the body, he said.
For older adults, however, vaccines are obtainable that protect against certain types of bacterial pneumonia, he said. All adults over age 65 should get the injection, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
