Pneumonia has more than 30 different causes, the three main categories being bacterial, viral, and mycoplasma pneumonia. Although pneumonia can be very serious, the majority of patients who are diagnosed with it respond fairly well to their treatment. The following are potential complications of pneumonia:
Acute respiratory distress syndrome
The lungs cannot provide the body’s vital organs with enough oxygen
Lung abscess
A pus-filled cavity in your lung surrounded by inflamed tissue.
Respiratory failure
A serious condition that makes it difficult to breathe on your own.
Sepsis
When your immune system overreacts to an infection
If bacteria are the source of your pneumonia, they might enter your blood, especially if you didn’t seek medical attention from a professional. It is a condition known as bacteremia.
Septic shock, a challenging circumstance, may result from this. It’s a reaction to the illness that is present in your blood, and it can make your blood pressure drop dangerously low. When your pulse drops too low, your organs may start to fail because your heart won’t be able to pump enough blood to them. It is possible for your lungs to fill with fluid during the stage of pneumonia. If that happens, they won’t be able to transfer enough oxygen into your blood or get rid of the carbon dioxide in it.
It’s a serious ailment because your organs require oxygen to function. Your care team will keep an eye out for signs of this unusual consequence if your pneumonia is severe or you are receiving treatment in a clinic. Actually, if you’re receiving care at an emergency room, your immunity is weakened, or you’re elderly, you have a higher risk of developing respiratory failure.
Contact Dr. Barbara Karin Vela today to schedule an appointment.