Complications of pneumonia
Pneumonia may cause complications, especially in people with weakened immune system or
chronic conditions, such as diabetes.
Complications may include:
1. Worsened chronic conditions: if you have certain preexisting health condition, Pneumonia
could make them worse, these conditions include congestive heart failure and emphysema.
For certain people, Pneumonia increases their risk of having a heart attack.
2. Bacteremia: Bacteria from the Pneumonia infection may spread to your bloodstream. This
can lead to dangerously low blood pressure, septic shock, and, in some cases, organ failure.
3. Lung abscesses: These are cavities in the lungs that contain pus. Antibiotics can treat them.
Sometimes they may require drainage or surgery to remove the pus.
4. Impaired breathing: You may have trouble getting enough oxygen when you breathe. You
may need to use a ventilator.
5. Acute respiratory distress syndrome: This is a severe form of respiratory failure. It’s
medical emergency.
6. Pleural effusion: If your Pneumonia isn’t treated you may develop fluid around your lungs in
your pleura called pleura effusion. The pleura are thin membrane that line the outside of your
lungs and the inside of your rib cage. The fluid may become infected and need to be drained.
7. Kidney, heart, and liver damage: These organs may be damaged if they don’t receive
enough oxygen, or if there’s an overreaction of the immune system to the infection.
8. Death: In some cases, pneumonia can be fatal. According to the CDC, nearly 44,000 people
in the United States died from pneumonia in 2019.
TREATMENT
Treatment for pneumonia involves curing the infection and preventing complications. People who
have community-acquired pneumonia usually can be treated at home with medication. Although
most symptoms ease in a few days or weeks, the feeling of tiredness can persist for a month or more.
Specific treatments depend on the type and severity of your pneumonia, your age and your overall
health. The options include:
Antibiotics. These medicines are used to treat bacterial pneumonia. It may take time to identify the
type of bacteria causing your pneumonia and to choose the best antibiotic to treat it. If your
symptoms don’t improve, your doctor may recommend a different antibiotic.
Cough medicine. This medicine may be used to calm your cough so that you can rest. Because
coughing helps loosen and move fluid from your lungs, it’s a good idea not to eliminate your cough
completely. In addition, you should know that very few studies have looked at whether over-the-
counter cough medicines lessen coughing caused by pneumonia. If you want to try a cough
suppressant, use the lowest dose that helps you rest.
Fever reducers/pain relievers. You may take these as needed for fever and discomfort. These include
drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).
PREVENTION
The best way to prevent pneumonia is to get vaccinated against bacteria and viruses that
commonly cause it. There are also everyday precautions you can take to help reduce your risk of
pneumonia.
Vaccines for pneumonia
There are two types of vaccines (shots) that prevent pneumonia caused by pneumococcal bacteria.
Similar to a flu shot, these vaccines won’t protect against all types of pneumonia, but if you do get
sick, it’s less likely to be severe.
• Pneumococcal vaccines: Pneumovax23® and Prevnar13® protect against pneumonia bacteria.
They’re each recommended for certain age groups or those with increased risk for pneumonia. Ask
your healthcare provider which vaccine would be appropriate for you or your loved ones.
• Vaccinations against viruses: As certain viruses can lead to pneumonia, getting vaccinated
against COVID-19 and the flu can help reduce your risk of getting pneumonia.
• Childhood vaccinations: If you have children, ask their healthcare provider about other vaccines
they should get. Several childhood vaccines help prevent infections caused by the bacteria and viruses
that can lead to pneumonia.
Other ways to reduce your risk of pneumonia
In addition to getting vaccinated, you can reduce your risk of getting and spreading pneumonia with
some healthy habits:
• Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke. Smoking damages your lungs and makes you more
likely to get an infection.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before eating, before handling food and after using the
restroom. If soap isn’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid close contact and sharing items with other people if either of you has an infectious disease
such as the flu, a cold or COVID-19.
• If you have to stay in a hospital or other healthcare facility, don’t be afraid to ask your providers
about how to reduce your risk of getting an infection during your stay.
• Eat a healthy diet, exercise and get enough rest.
• Get treated for any other infections or health conditions you may have. These conditions could
weaken your immune system, which could increase your chance of pneumonia.
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
