What is a common symptom of pneumonia in the elderly, even without a high fever?

In elderly patients, pneumonia symptoms may present differently than in younger individuals. One common symptom is an increase in respiratory rate, which can occur even in the absence of a high fever. The body's response to the infection can often manifest as a compensatory mechanism; when the lungs are compromised due to infection, the individual may breathe faster in an attempt to maintain adequate oxygen levels and expel carbon dioxide.

While chills, an elevated body temperature, and severe chest pain can be associated with pneumonia, these symptoms may not be as pronounced or present at all in older adults, especially since their immune responses can be altered and less robust. For instance, the lack of a high fever in the elderly might lead to atypical presentations of pneumonia where the respiratory rate becomes a more reliable indicator of the condition. Understanding these variations in symptom presentation is crucial for timely and accurate diagnosis and treatment.