‘Harmless illness’ took Diane Keaton’s life: 5 early warning signs of pneumonia
41,000 deaths a year
Diane Keaton’s passing is a sobering reminder that pneumonia is more than a simple illness — it can turn deadly, sometimes faster than we expect.
In fact, it’s a leading reason for hospital visits in the United States, with roughly 1.4 million people seeking care in emergency rooms and about 41,000 deaths reported annually, according to American Lung Association.
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that inflames the tiny air sacs, sometimes filling them with fluid or pus, making it difficult to breathe. While it can affect anyone, certain groups are at higher risk, including those over 65, young children, people with chronic illnesses, smokers, and hospitalized patients.
Dr. Anya Youngblood from UT Health Pittsburgh highlights five warning signs that should never be ignored:
