Why Do Some People Die From Pneumonia - Article Health

Model and actress Kim Porter was found dead yesterday in her California home at age 47. While the cause of death is still undetermined, People reported that she may have been suffering from pneumonia in the weeks leading up to her death.

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, if Porter was indeed killed by the disease–die from pneumonia? Health 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 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.

How does someone die from pneumonia?
Pneumonia has to be quite severe for it to kill someone, Dr. Bhowmick stresses. The lungs, of course, are responsible for supplying oxygen all over the body. Pneumonia, it follows, threatens your oxygen tank. “If it’s so severe that it’s essentially cutting off oxygen supply, then the rest of your vital organs aren’t getting enough oxygen,” she explains.

Who is most at risk?
Like with many other conditions, a person’s ability to fight off pneumonia is greater the healthier they are to begin with. Pneumonia is more likely to be serious or even deadly in infants, adults over 65, and people with underlying health issues or weakened immune systems, like someone with cancer or HIV, Dr. Bhowmick says–although it's possible a severe case of pneumonia could turn deadly in someone at any age.

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.



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