Based on a retrospective study of the case records of the primary health care services in a small Norwegian coastal community (Finnøy), we found an incidence of 13% for lower respiratory infections in persons aged 70 years or more. Most often the initial medication was penicillin. In 23% of recorded episodes, medication was changed, owing to unsatisfactory response. Overall mortality in the group was 9%. Three out of five deaths occurred in patients terminally ill from other diseases at the time the respiratory infection started. Problems related to diagnosis, management and prevention are discussed.

Aged↗

PubMed1979

[Primary health care in a municipality. Wishes and attitudes of the population].

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Attitude to Health↗