Table of contents:
- What complications can arise due to pneumonia?
- 1. Bacteremia
- 2. Lung abscess
- 3. Pleural effusion, empyema, and pleurisy
- 4. Kidney failure
- 5. Respiratory failure
Pneumonia is a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection that causes inflammation of the lungs. The first symptom of pneumonia that usually appears is a cough with phlegm, followed by other symptoms, if you don't make efforts to prevent pneumonia. Usually, this condition can be treated with pneumonia treatment and does not cause any complications. However, under certain conditions, pneumonia can bring complications, even life-threatening. What are the complications of pneumonia that may arise?
What complications can arise due to pneumonia?
Pneumonia or pneumonia can cause complications. Some of the complications that may occur due to this disease, also known as pneumonia, include:
1. Bacteremia
One of the causes of pneumonia is bacteria. In this type of pneumonia, bacteria that enter the bloodstream from the lungs can spread the infection to other organs. This condition has the potential to cause organ failure.
Bacteremia is a serious complication of pneumonia and can lead to septic shock, a potentially fatal complication.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the CDC, about 1 in 100 children under 5 years of age with this infection end up dying. The likelihood of dying from pneumococcal bacteremia is higher among elderly patients.
You need to go to the hospital when you experience the following symptoms of bacteremia:
- Sudden fever
- Chills, with or without chills
The diagnosis of bacteremia can be determined by means of a blood test.
During treatment, you will need to stay in the hospital and get antibiotics by intravenous injection. Severe sepsis and septic shock can occur if treatment is not given immediately.
2. Lung abscess
An abscess occurs when pus builds up in the lung cavity. Lung abscess can be divided into two categories, namely:
- Acute, which is an abscess that lasts less than six weeks
- Chronic, namely an abscess that lasts more than six weeks
Lung abscess signs and symptoms include:
- Fever and chills
- Cough
- Night sweats
- Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Chest pain
- Anemia
Lung abscesses are usually treated with antibiotics. Sometimes, surgery or drainage with a long needle or tube is placed into the abscess to remove the pus.
3. Pleural effusion, empyema, and pleurisy
This painful or even potentially fatal complication can occur if pneumonia is left untreated.
The pleura is a membrane consisting of two large and thin tissue layers. One layer encircles the outside of the lungs, while the other lining the inside of the chest cavity.
Pleurisy or pleurisy is when the two layers of the pleura become irritated and inflamed. This condition causes sharp pain every time you inhale the air.
The pleural space is the very thin space between the pleura. Pleural effusion is a buildup of fluid in the pleural space.
If the fluid becomes infected, it is called an empyema. The signs and symptoms of this condition are:
- Chest pain that gets worse when you breathe, cough, or sneeze
- Shortness of breath, because you are trying to inhale and exhale less air
- Cough (only happens in some cases)
- Fever (only occurs in some cases)
Tell your doctor right away if you have unexplained severe chest pain when you breathe.
If you have complications from pneumonia, you may need to drain the fluid through a tube in your chest or remove it surgically.
In addition, you may be given antibiotics to treat the infection. Usually, pleurisy is treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, and others). Sometimes, your doctor may prescribe a steroid medication.
4. Kidney failure
Pneumonia can increase your risk of developing end-stage kidney failure. This is not a common complication of pneumonia, but quite serious. This complication can make your kidneys stop working due to a lack of blood supply.
Watch for signs and symptoms when you have kidney problems listed below:
- Severe fatigue (fatigue)
- Stomach pain or vomiting
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
- Swelling, especially around your hands or ankles
- Urinating frequently
- Muscle spasms (muscle cramps)
- Dry or itchy skin
- Decreased appetite
Treatment of kidney failure is determined by the cause and severity of the problem. If your kidneys begin to gradually lose their function, your doctor may use one or more methods to treat your condition.
Common treatment options used to treat kidney failure are dialysis or a kidney transplant.
5. Respiratory failure
Respiratory failure is a serious complication of pneumonia. This condition occurs when the lungs can't get enough oxygen into the blood.
The buildup of carbon dioxide can also damage tissues and organs so that it will interfere with the oxygen content in the blood. As a result, oxygen delivery to the tissues is slow.
Respiratory failure, including complications of pneumonia, can progress quickly and without any signs. This condition requires emergency care.
Go to the hospital emergency room immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Difficulty breathing suddenly
- Feel in a daze
- Skin and lips appear bluish
Your doctor can diagnose respiratory failure based on the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood, how fast and shallow your breathing is, the results of pulmonary function tests, and other factors, such as how hard you try to breathe.
Emergency treatment as first aid is to provide oxygen to the body to help prevent organ damage. Treatment for respiratory failure may include oxygen therapy, medications, and procedures to help your lungs rest and heal.
