Can you die from pneumonia?
The sad answer is that you could.
Pneumonia is a very common infection.
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It can impact anyone andcan vary from mild to severe.
For some people, it can be quite seriouseven deadly.
This article will cover who is at high risk of serious complications from pneumonia and different types of pneumonia.
It also discusses how pneumonia can become deadly and ways to avoid getting pneumonia.
Sukanya Sitthikongsak / Getty Images
What Is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that leads to fluid build-up in the lungs.
The most common complication of pneumonia is a condition calledpleural effusion.
This is the buildup of fluid between the layers of tissue that line the lungs and chest cavity.
Treatment
If youre diagnosed with pneumonia, your healthcare provider will likely prescribe antibiotics or antivirals.
double-check to get treated promptly for pneumonia if you arent getting better.
Most healthy people canrecover from pneumoniarelatively quickly and without complications.
However, there are certain high-risk groups and health conditions that increase the risk of death from pneumonia.
These include:
Those with multiple risk factors increase their risk even higher.
Not everyone in these groups will end up with severe pneumonia and die.
If youve picked up pneumonia during daily life, its called community-acquired pneumonia.
The germs that cause these two different types of pneumonia are different.
Can Pneumonia Heal On Its Own?
Viral pneumonia is often mild and goes away on its own within a few weeks.
How Is Pneumonia Prevented?
Stay healthy by being active and eating well.
Avoid smoking or drinking too much.
Bacterial pneumonia is the jot down most likely to lead to hospitalization.
However, viral and fungal pneumonia can also cause serious complications or death.
Several vaccines can lessen the risk of serious illness from pneumonia.
Maintaining good health and taking precautions to prevent the spread of infections can reduce your risks.
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