Pneumonia can range from mild to very serious. It is a lung infection that inflames the air sacs, often causing cough, fever, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. While many people recover with treatment, pneumonia can be life- threatening, especially for babies, older adults (over 65-70), and those with weakened immune systems or underlying health issues like heart or kidney disease.
Serious complications from pneumonia include respiratory failure, sepsis (a severe body-wide infection), lung abscesses, and organ failure. These complications can require hospitalization, intensive care, and sometimes mechanical ventilation to support breathing. The risk of death increases with severity, particularly in hospitalized patients, where mortality can reach up to 10% or higher, and much more in intensive care settings.
Common signs that pneumonia is serious include chest pain, severe shortness of breath, confusion (especially in older adults), high fever, rapid breathing, and coughing up blood. Immediate medical attention is strongly advised when these symptoms are present.
In summary, pneumonia is a serious illness that can be mild or severe, potentially life-threatening particularly in vulnerable populations, and should be promptly treated to reduce risks of severe outcomes.
