Condition Lookup
Sub-Category:
Immune System Decline
Number of Conditions: 1
Increased Risk of Infection
Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics
Category: Miscellaneous Age-Related Conditions
Sub-category: Immune System Decline
Symptoms:
frequent or persistent infections; slow recovery from illnesses; fever; chills; general malaise; increased susceptibility to bacterial, viral, or fungal infections
Root Cause:
Age-related decline in immune function (immunosenescence) leads to a reduced ability to fight off infections. The immune system’s response is slower and less efficient due to factors such as reduced production of immune cells, decreased function of macrophages, and changes in the skin's protective barrier.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis involves evaluating patient history, symptoms, and the frequency or severity of infections. Blood tests (e.g., complete blood count, immune function tests) and cultures from infection sites may help identify specific pathogens.
Treatment:
Treatment typically involves antimicrobial therapy (antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals) depending on the infection type. Immune-boosting interventions such as vaccinations (e.g., flu, pneumonia, shingles), dietary improvements, and lifestyle modifications may also be recommended.
Medications:
Antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin , ciprofloxacin ), antivirals (e.g., acyclovir , oseltamivir ), and antifungals (e.g., fluconazole , terbinafine ). These medications are classified as antibiotics, antivirals, or antifungals.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Older adults are at a higher risk of infections due to weakened immune systems. This is especially true for those with chronic conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or respiratory problems.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Aging, immunosuppressive medications (e.g., corticosteroids, chemotherapy), chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, renal disease), poor nutrition, lack of proper hygiene, and environmental factors like close living quarters or exposure to pathogens.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Infections can often be managed effectively with timely treatment, but the elderly may experience more severe infections and longer recovery times. Recurrent infections may lead to complications like sepsis.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Sepsis, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, skin infections, and the development of multi-drug-resistant organisms. Recurrent infections may also lead to hospitalization or long-term care facility admission.