Pneumonia: Understanding the lung Infection Linked to Diane Keaton‘s Recent Health Scare
new York, NY – Actress Diane keaton recently revealed a pneumonia diagnosis, sparking renewed interest in the possibly serious lung infection. While Keaton is reportedly recovering, her experience highlights the risks associated with pneumonia, a condition that can range from mild to life-threatening, particularly for vulnerable populations. Here’s a breakdown of what pneumonia is, how it can cause severe complications, and how it can be prevented and treated.
Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. Symptoms can include shortness of breath,and,according to the Mayo Clinic,individuals experiencing trouble breathing,chest pain,a fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit,or a persistent cough should seek medical attention.
While pneumonia can affect anyone,Dr. Singer noted it “tends to be more severe in people who are very, very young – so in infants – or in older adults.” However, even individuals without underlying health conditions can become severely ill quickly, as Keaton’s case demonstrates. “That doesn’t mean that perfectly healthy people can’t become severely ill, rapidly with pneumonia,” Dr. Singer said.
A meaningful danger of pneumonia lies in its potential to trigger sepsis, a life-threatening condition where the body’s overwhelming response to an infection ultimately harms its own tissues and organs. “The body is trying to kill the infection, but as a consequence, harms the body itself,” Dr. Singer explained.
Both sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) – a syndrome caused by lung failure – can develop rapidly, potentially becoming life-threatening within hours.Dr. Choi of the cleveland Clinic also pointed to other possible complications, including pulmonary embolism, arrhythmias, and even encephalopathy, which can affect the brain. Low oxygen levels, he added, can progress from minutes to hours, and cardiac arrhythmias can occur “very suddenly and out of nowhere.”
Fortunately,there are steps individuals can take to protect themselves. Maintaining good hygiene and a healthy immune system are crucial. Vaccines are available to prevent certain types of pneumonia. The Mayo Clinic recommends vaccinations for children ages 2 to 5.Notably, in 2024, an self-reliant CDC advisory group voted 14 to 1 to lower the recommended age for routine pneumococcal vaccines to 50.
Though, doctors caution that these vaccines don’t offer protection against all types of pneumonia. Vaccines exist for viruses that can cause pneumonia, such as influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). There is also a vaccine targeting a specific bacterium responsible for many bacterial pneumonia cases, generally recommended for older adults and those with underlying conditions. While not administered annually, a doctor can advise on the need for booster shots after the initial vaccination.
