Bacterial pneumonia in the elderly.

Bacterial pneumonia is among the most frequent diagnoses that bring elderly patients to the Emergency Department. The morbidity and mortality subsequent to these infections is very high among these individuals, and presenting symptoms and signs may be subtle. Gram-negative bacilli, H. influenzae, and mixed organisms more commonly cause lower respiratory tract infections in this population. The diagnosis and management of nursing home and community-acquired pneumonias are reviewed, as are important preventative strategies.