Renowned Oscar-winning actress Diane Keaton passed away due to pneumonia, as confirmed by a statement from her family shared with People magazine.
It remains unclear whether she had any pre-existing health issues that may have contributed to her passing on Saturday at the age of 79.
Understanding Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection that leads to inflammation in the air sacs of one or both lungs, according to the Mayo Clinic.
These air sacs can fill with fluid or pus, resulting in coughs accompanied by phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. The severity of the illness can range from mild to life-threatening, and in extreme cases, it can lead to death.
Causes of Pneumonia
Pneumonia can be triggered by various pathogens, including bacteria or viruses.
Although the immune system usually protects the lungs from these germs, some can bypass the body’s defenses, even in otherwise healthy individuals, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Symptoms and Complications
Symptoms may vary in intensity from mild to severe and can resemble cold and flu symptoms but persist longer, including:
- Chest pain during breathing or coughing.
- Confusion or altered mental state (particularly in older adults).
- A cough that might produce phlegm.
- Fatigue.
- Fever, sweating, chills.
- Lower body temperature (in older individuals and those with weakened immune systems).
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
- Shortness of breath.
Complications may include sepsis, difficulty breathing, fluid buildup around the lungs, and lung abscesses. Serious complications, like pulmonary embolism or cardiac arrhythmias, can also occur suddenly.
Prevention and Treatment
Maintaining good hygiene and a strong immune system can reduce the risk of pneumonia.
Vaccines exist to prevent specific types of pneumonia and are recommended for children aged 2 to 5, as noted by the Mayo Clinic. Additionally, new recommendations aim to lower the age for routine pneumococcal vaccinations to 50.
However, these vaccines target certain pneumonia types and do not cover all cases. Other vaccines are available to protect against viruses that can lead to pneumonia, such as influenza and COVID-19. Individuals may also need boosters to maintain the vaccine’s effectiveness, as advised by their healthcare providers.
