Systemic Consequences of Pulmonary Hypertension and Right-Sided Heart Failure | Circulation

Why Do Some People Die From Pneumonia?

Pneumonia, a lung infection, can be severe and even deadly for people in high-risk populations, such as infants, children 2 years old or younger, adults 65 years old or older, and people with weak immune systems. Pneumonia can also be fatal due to complications such as sepsis or lung abscesses.

However, rarely do people die from pneumonia. Each year, around 1.4 million people in the United States go to the emergency room due to pneumonia. About 41,000 of those people die from pneumonia.

Pneumonia is treatable. Its symptoms range from mild to severe, and vaccines can prevent some kinds of pneumonia. It's important to see a healthcare provider if you experience pneumonia symptoms. Early treatment can prevent pneumonia from becoming severe.

Read on to learn about pneumonia, who is at risk for severe pneumonia, and how to prevent death from pneumonia.

Pneumonia is a lung infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. When you have pneumonia, the alveoli, or air sacs in the lungs, can fill with fluid when a pathogen enters the lungs. That fluid causes inflammation, which produces pneumonia symptoms, such as cough, fever, and difficulty breathing. Types of pneumonia include: Bacterial pneumonia, or pneumococcal pneumonia: This type of pneumonia develops on its own or after having a cold or the flu. Viral pneumonia: Viruses cause this type of pneumonia, which is secondary to upper respiratory tract infections. Usually, viral pneumonia does not last longer than bacterial pneumonia. Fungal pneumonia: Caused by fungi, this type primarily affects people with weak immune systems. People exposed to large doses of contaminated soil or bird droppings may also develop fungal pneumonia.  Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP): This type happens beyond a hospital setting.  Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP): This type occurs within 48 hours of hospitalization.  Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP): People may develop this type 48 hours after intubation. Intubation is when a healthcare provider inserts a tube through the nose or mouth. The tube enters the trachea to help a person breathe. Like colds or the flu, pneumonia often spreads through coughing, sneezing, or touching infected surfaces. It can also be a complication of other infections. For example, the flu is a common cause of pneumonia in adults. Pneumonia can become severe based on how the illness affects different body parts. For example, fluid-filled air sacs in the lungs can make it hard for oxygen to enter the blood. In that case, the rest of the body—including vital organs—can lose oxygen and not work correctly. A lack of oxygen can damage the kidney, liver, and heart. If pneumonia spreads to the blood from the lungs and infects other organs, bacteremia can occur. Bacteremia can result in dangerously low blood pressure. Inflammation in response to pneumonia can also result in sepsis, a severe condition that causes organ damage. Together, those complications of pneumonia can be life-threatening. Pneumonia can be fatal if untreated or not adequately treated. A severe case of pneumonia could turn deadly in anyone. However, a person's overall health can determine how well their body can deal with pneumonia.  Pneumonia is more likely to be severe or even deadly in some people, like: Infants, especially those born prematurely Adults over the age of 65 People with chronic diseases that weaken the immune system People who smoke  People with substance or alcohol use disorders People who have been exposed to environmental pollutants, toxic fumes, and some chemicals The risks for infants and people with certain chronic diseases are higher than others because of the way their immune systems function. Infants do not have fully developed immune systems, and people with weak immune systems and older adults have immune systems that work less efficiently than typical. Anyone can get pneumonia, but there are ways to reduce your risk. These prevention methods include: Cleaning surfaces that are touched often Eating a balanced diet Getting regular exercise Managing chronic conditions like asthma Properly washing your hands You can also get a vaccine to help prevent certain types of pneumonia, like pneumonia caused by pneumococcus bacteria or the flu virus. These vaccines may not stop you from getting pneumonia, but they have been shown to lead to: Fewer serious complications Milder infections Shorter periods of being sick with pneumonia If you have pneumonia or an illness that can progress to pneumonia, you can prevent its spread by: Covering your mouth and nose with the crook of your elbow while sneezing or coughing Limiting contact with others if you or others are sick Properly washing your hands See a healthcare provider right away if you have pneumonia symptoms. Seek emergency medical care if the following symptoms occur: Bluish lips or fingertips Chest pain Confusion alongside respiratory symptoms High fever New shortness of breath Severe wet cough or a worsening cough Pneumonia is an illness that can be fatal in some people. Infants, young children, older adults, and people with immune systems are at a higher risk of severe pneumonia than others. However, pneumonia is rarely deadly, and it's treatable. You can prevent pneumonia by staying up-to-date on vaccines and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  Consult a healthcare provider right away to begin recovery and help decrease the risk of death if you or a loved one has pneumonia symptoms.

Thanks for your feedback!

---