The latter disorder is usually associated with sputum production. Exacerbation produces more sputum, which changes in color and slight fever and some dyspnea. Pneumococcal pneumonia is most easily recognized via an X-ray. A blood count could be useful, for it defines whether the patient is anemic. The blood cell count, either less than 4000 or above 20,000, is a marker for an individual who has severe pneumonia.
Pneumonia has a broad range of etiologies.
Further complicating the situation in the elderly is the nutritional status. An elderly person may seem well nourished but may be loosing lean body weight, which can affect the T cell count. Research has shown that nutritional status must be aggressively maintained if one is to expect patient with pulmonary problems to recover. Precautionary measures to be taken to prevent pneumonia include pneumococcal vaccination for everyone over 65 years of age. Influenza vaccination should be encouraged to prevent secondary bacterial disorders.