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Symptoms and Complications of Bacterial Pneumonia

Lung Posted by Rowena T.

Complications of Pneumonia

Even after undergoing treatment to alleviate symptoms, some individuals that have pneumonia, especially in high-risk groups, can develop some complications. Example of such complications include;

  1. Bacteria in the bloodstream (bacteremia): Bacteria from [6] infection of the lungs can escape into the bloodstream which carries the infection to part and organs of the body. This can lead to dysfunction of these organs and further progression of the disease.
  2. Difficulty breathing (shortness of breath). With severe pneumonia, especially against the background of chronic lung disease, there are problems with getting enough oxygen [7]. Hospitalization and use of a breathing apparatus (ventilator) may be required during treatment.
  3. Accumulation of fluid in the pleura space of the lungs (pleura effusion): In complications of pneumonia, accumulation of fluid [8] in between the two thin layers of tissues found in the external lining between the lungs and chest cavity is common.
  4. Lung abscess: An abscess [9] is said to occur when pus builds up in the lungs. It is often treated with the use of antibiotics. Drainage or surgery may be required to remove pus with a tube or long needle inserted in the abscess.

References:

[1] https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/fevers-causes-symptoms-treatments%231

[2] https://www.healthline.com/health/green-phlegm%23green-or-yellow-phlegm

[3] https://www.healthline.com/health/wbc-count

[4] https://consumer.healthday.com/encyclopedia/infectious-diseases-26/misc-infections-news-411/pneumonia-648250.html#:~:text=Most%20cases%20of%20pneumonia%20will,by%20viruses%2C%20including%20flu%20viruses.

[5] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4471-pneumonia#:~:text=For%20the%20lungs%20to%20perform,feeling%20more%20tired%20than%20normal.

[6] https://webspace.science.uu.nl/~ooste108/ExpC/website3/v2/pneumoniaSymptomsCauses.html

[7] https://webspace.science.uu.nl/~ooste108/ExpC/website3/v2/pneumoniaSymptomsCauses.html

[8] https://webspace.science.uu.nl/~ooste108/ExpC/website3/v2/pneumoniaSymptomsCauses.html

[9] https://webspace.science.uu.nl/~ooste108/ExpC/website3/v2/pneumoniaSymptomsCauses.html