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Why Do Some People Die from Pneumonia?
Although pneumonia is certainly unpleasant and can be dangerous in some cases, it usually improves with treatment within a few weeks. So how does a person– especially a young one, like Porter–die from pneumonia? ishonest spoke to Tanaya Bhowmick, MD, assistant professor of medicine in infectious diseases at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Jersey to find out.
What is pneumonia?
First, a refresher: Pneumonia is a lung infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Like colds or flu, it’s often spread this time of year through coughing, sneezing, or touching germy surfaces (and then touching your face). Speaking of the flu, pneumonia can even be a complication of a bad bout with the influenza virus; the flu is a common cause of pneumonia in adults, according to the American Lung Association (ALA).
What are the chances of dying from pneumonia?
Yes, pneumonia can kill–but it’s rare. “We see so many more people that have pneumonia that survive,†Dr. Bhowmick says.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every year there are around 1 million Americans sent to the hospital with pneumonia, and about 50,000 die from the disease.
How can someone with pneumonia stay safe?
“Seeking out care from your doctor is the most important thing,†Dr. Bhowmick says. He or she can help determine what type of pneumonia you have and therefore what kind of treatment you might require. (For example, antibiotics are only helpful against bacterial pneumonia, while some people with a viral infection might benefit from antiviral medications.)
No matter what type of pneumonia you have, you’re going to want to stay hydrated and get plenty of rest, Dr. Bhowmick adds. That rest is crucial, according to the ALA, because rushing back to work or the gym before you’re fully recovered could lead to a relapse of the infection.
It also never hurts this time of year to make sure you’re religiously washing your hands, Dr. Bhowmick adds, and doing your best to avoid people who are sneezing or coughing.