老年人的肺炎預防及護理

Prevention and Nursing of Pneumonia in the Elderly

本在65歲以上老年人是罹患肺炎並且使用醫療資源最高的族群。在流行病學上而言，肺炎是老年疾病最常見的一種，隨著年齡的增加，風險也越高。本文旨在闡述針對有關老年人的肺炎，再根據診斷、危險因子、治療、護理及肺炎鏈球菌疫苗預防加以說明。唯有平時減少慢性疾病引發的合併症，減低危險因子發生、適當運動及營養攝取、再加上鼓勵五年施打一次肺炎鏈球菌疫苗，可減少肺炎發生率、避免抗生素濫用及降低醫療成本。

The incidence of pneumonia is substantially high among geriatric population, which accounts for a large proportion of government spending on medical care. The risk gets higher as the age increases. This article reviews the general characteristics of pneumonia in the elderly. We also review diagnosis, risk factors, treatment, nursing care, and vaccination against pneumococcal pneumonia. By taking efforts to prevent complications of various chronic diseases, to curtail the risk factors, to maintain adequate exercise and nutrition, and to encourage vaccination against streptococcus pneumonia every 5 years can decrease the incidence of pneumonia, and curb antibiotic use and medical expenses.