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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Disorientation And Excessive Salivation After Treatment Of Pneumonia?

My mother is 85 and recently had pneumonia since coming home she appears disoriented and continuously spits. She also seems confused more often than normal and appears distant. What could this be related to. What could be the reason for these changes. She also has not appetite.
Thu, 4 May 2017
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic

Dementia is altered mental status. It causes a change in thinking and behavior.

In the elderly, infection is one of the causes of dementia. The disorientation and confusion may indicate that the infection has not resolved or it may be due to electrolyte changes due to the infection and decreased oral intake.

She should be reassessed and bloods taken for electrolyte levels (sodium, bicarbonate, calcium, magnesium, potassium).
She may need another course of antibiotics

I hope this helps
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What Causes Disorientation And Excessive Salivation After Treatment Of Pneumonia?

Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic Dementia is altered mental status. It causes a change in thinking and behavior. In the elderly, infection is one of the causes of dementia. The disorientation and confusion may indicate that the infection has not resolved or it may be due to electrolyte changes due to the infection and decreased oral intake. She should be reassessed and bloods taken for electrolyte levels (sodium, bicarbonate, calcium, magnesium, potassium). She may need another course of antibiotics I hope this helps