Hollywood legend Diane Keaton has passed away after struggling with pneumonia, as confirmed by her family late Wednesday.
According to sources close to the Oscar-winning actress, her health significantly declined in the months leading up to her death on Saturday at the age of 79.
Here’s what you need to know about the common, yet potentially dangerous, illness that claimed her life.
What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in the lungs, causing them to fill with fluid or pus, which makes it hard to breathe and opens the door to other serious health issues.
This condition is quite prevalent and affects around 25 out of 10,000 adults in the U.S. That number escalates as people get older, with millions being affected annually.
What causes pneumonia?
Several microorganisms can lead to pneumonia, but viruses and bacteria are the most frequent culprits. The American Lung Association notes that viral pneumonia is often triggered by infections like the common cold, flu, COVID-19, or respiratory syncytial virus. While such cases are typically milder and resolve more quickly than bacterial pneumonia, they can still progress and become serious.
Bacterial pneumonia can manifest on its own or follow a viral infection, and it tends to be more severe. The primary culprit is a bacterium known as Streptococcus pneumoniae, which usually resides in the upper respiratory tract.
Although pneumonia itself isn’t contagious, the microorganisms that cause it can be spread via contact with infected surfaces or through droplets from coughs and sneezes.
Fungi can also be a cause of pneumonia, though less commonly, and are generally spread by inhaling spores from the environment rather than contact with an infected person.
Who is at risk?
While pneumonia can impact anyone, young children under 2 and adults over 65 are particularly vulnerable due to weaker immune systems. Mayo Clinic mentions that individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those living with HIV/AIDS, cancer patients undergoing treatments, and organ transplant recipients, are also at greater risk. Moreover, those recovering from respiratory viruses are more likely to develop pneumonia.
If you’re in the ICU or on a ventilator, the likelihood of diagnosis also increases.
Additionally, lifestyle choices play a significant role. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and exposure to pollution or toxic fumes heighten vulnerability.
What symptoms do you have?
Bacterial pneumonia may appear suddenly or develop over time. Symptoms may include:
- high fever
- extreme fatigue
- shortness of breath
- rapid heart rate
- cold chills
- chest or abdominal pain
- loss of appetite
- Cough producing yellow, green, or bloody mucus.
Viral pneumonia typically builds up over several days with symptoms like:
- fever
- dry cough
- headaches
- muscle aches
- extreme fatigue
For infants and young children, symptoms might not be typical. Watch for signs like difficulty feeding, continuous crying, limpness, pale skin, noisy breathing, vomiting, or coughing.
Is pneumonia deadly?
Pneumonia is the most common cause of hospitalization for children in the U.S. and ranks second for adults after childbirth, according to reports from the American Thoracic Society.
While some pneumonia cases are mild, the condition can be serious. Recovery might span weeks, and complications such as respiratory failure, fluid build-up, lung abscesses, and bloodstream infections can arise, which may be fatal.
Annually, about 1 million adults in the United States are hospitalized due to pneumonia, with around 50,000 not surviving.
Can it be prevented?
Vaccinations are among the best defenses against pneumonia. Vaccines that target the bacteria and viruses responsible for infections can reduce the risk, and if illness occurs, they can prevent a more severe outcome.
In addition to vaccines, maintaining healthy habits—like quitting smoking, moderating alcohol intake, eating well, exercising, and getting adequate rest—can help as well.
Addressing other health issues that may compromise your immune system also plays a critical role in pneumonia prevention.
