One of the most frequent questions on google is:” Can you die from pneumonia?” Let’s find the answer together.
You might wonder if pneumonia can be fatal if you or someone you care about has been diagnosed. Is pneumonia a cause of death? You can, which is a sad response.
1. Pneumonia:
A lung infection known as pneumonia causes the lungs to become fluid-filled. It is more difficult for the lungs’ alveoli, or air sacs, to move oxygen into the blood and eliminate carbon dioxide accumulated in the body if they get clogged with fluid.
In addition to occurring without any prior sickness, pneumonia can develop after contracting a virus like the flu or a cold. Pneumonia’s main signs and symptoms are as follows:
- Breathing issues
- Mucus or pus in the throat when coughing
- Illness and chills
A very prevalent infection is pneumonia. Anyone can be affected, and the severity can range from minor to extreme. It can also be quite serious—even fatal—to specific individuals. About 1 million hospital admissions and 50,000 fatalities are caused by pneumonia yearly in the US. 2 More kids under five die from it than from any other sickness.
The numerous varieties of pneumonia, how they can turn fatal, who are at high risk of severe consequences from pneumonia, and how to prevent contracting pneumonia are all covered in this article.
2. Groups at High Risk:
Most healthy people can bounce back from pneumonia quickly and without significant issues. However, several high-risk populations and medical conditions raise the risk of pneumonia-related mortality. These comprise:
- Young people (under two years old)
- More than 65
- Those whose immune systems are compromised, such as those with autoimmune illnesses, organ transplant recipients, those on steroids or chemotherapy, or those who have undergone organ transplantation
- Those who already have heart or lung issues, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or heart disease (COPD)
- Users of drugs and tobacco
- Those exposed to harmful compounds in their surroundings, such as those who are exposed to pollution, poisonous vapours, or secondhand smoke
- Expecting mothers
- Patients in hospitals or those who frequently lie on their backs
3. What are the Risks of Dying from Pneumonia?
Can you die from pneumonia?
Yes, pneumonia can be fatal, although this is uncommon. The number of pneumonia survivors has increased significantly, according to Dr Bhowmick.
Around 1 million Americans are sent to hospitals with pneumonia each year, and the condition results in 50,000 fatalities, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. How Does Pneumonia Cause Death?
According to Dr Bhowmick, pneumonia must be severe to cause death. Of course, oxygen is delivered to every body part through the lungs. Therefore, pneumonia poses a hazard to your oxygen supply. The rest of your essential organs aren’t receiving enough oxygen, she says, “if it’s so acute that it’s shutting off oxygen delivery.”
According to Dr Bhowmick, a person’s body is also creating an inflammatory response at the same time to combat the infection.
The blood flow to such organs may therefore be reduced due to variations in blood pressure. She notes that this is a dangerous combination since the blood flow is also diminished, and oxygen in the blood is decreased. According to Dr Bhowmick, “it causes aberrant heart function, improper kidney function—the organs cease working, and that causes death.“
5. Who is Most in Danger?
Like many other illnesses, a person’s capacity to fend off pneumonia is increased by their baseline level of health. Dr Bhowmick notes that although a severe case of pneumonia might become fatal in anybody at any age, it is more likely to be painful or even fatal in newborns, individuals over 65, and those with underlying health conditions or compromised immune systems, such as those with cancer or HIV.
Most patients recover within one to three weeks with therapy, which varies based on the type of pneumonia a person has. According to the ALA, your chances of recovery are higher if you’re under 65, typically healthy, and your pneumonia is discovered early enough that it hasn’t spread.
6. How Can a Person with Pneumonia Stay Secure?
According to Dr Bhowmick, the most crucial thing is getting medical attention. He or she can assist in identifying the sort of pneumonia you may have and, consequently, the potential course of therapy. (Antibiotics, for instance, are exclusively effective against bacterial pneumonia, although specific individuals with viral infections may benefit from antiviral drugs.)
You should drink enough fluids and get lots of rest regardless of pneumonia you have, Dr Bhowmick continues. The ALA states that getting enough rest is essential since returning to work or the gym might induce an infection return before fully recovering.
Of course, preventing pneumonia altogether is preferable. A smart opening move? Get vaccinated against the flu since the illness can cause pneumonia. If you are over 65 or have a chronic disease, consult your doctor, as you may be a suitable candidate for one of the two pneumonia vaccinations targeted against certain bacteria.
Dr Bhowmick continues, “It also never hurts to make sure you’re diligently washing your hands this time of year and trying your best to avoid those who are sneezing or coughing.”
7. Identifying Symptoms of Pneumonia:
You should schedule a visit with a doctor to be assessed for potential pneumonia if you or a loved one exhibits any of the symptoms below:
- Elevated body temperature, including fever and chills, or a lower-than-normal body temperature in elderly persons or those with weakened immune systems.
- Breathe too quickly or laboriously.
- Lethargy or exhaustion, weariness, especially in older persons, disorientation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, cough, potentially with mucus or phlegm chest discomfort when coughing or breathing.
8. When to Consult a Doctor:
Pneumonia symptoms might consist of the following:
- High fever with trembling chills
- Breathing laboriously when performing daily tasks
- Coughing up phlegm that is green, yellow, or even bloody
- Breathing quickly or shallowly
- Symptoms of coughing up blood that doesn’t go away or get worse
- Feeling worse following a cold or the flu
- Diarrhoea, vomiting, or sickness Discomfort
- Appetite loss and exhaustion
People should visit their doctor if they experience any of the symptoms mentioned above. Patients should see a doctor right away if they have the following:
- Chest pain, trouble breathing
- Lips or fingernails that are blue
- High temperature with a cough that produces phlegm
If somebody has a higher chance of developing pneumonia, they should seek medical attention immediately. This is true for young children, seniors over 65, and anybody with a chronic illness or compromised immune system.
A clinician performs a medical history and physical examination to identify pneumonia. When someone inhales, they will listen to their lungs with a stethoscope to hear if they have pneumonia. A blood test and a chest X-ray may also be requested.
9. The Takeaway:
People in excellent health who contract pneumonia react well to therapy and often make a quick recovery.
An increased risk of more severe pneumonia and its consequences may exist for those who fit into one of the following categories:
- Youngsters under the age of two
- Individuals older than 65
- Anyone who currently has a heart issue, lung ailment, or other health condition
Those who smoke, those who are in critical care, or those who are using a ventilator to breathe
One should immediately consult a doctor if they suspect they may have pneumonia, especially if they fall into one of the riskier categories.
The risk of contracting pneumonia can be decreased with vaccinations. The risk of contracting pneumonia and having a more severe case can be reduced by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and giving up smoking.
In this article, you got the answer to the “Can you die from pneumonia?”. Check out Truth About “How Long Does Pneumonia Last” Just in Minutes for more knowledge and information regarding Pneumonia.
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