Severe pneumonia can lead to a life-threatening condition if left untreated or if treatment is not properly administered. Generally speaking, the prognosis for someone with severe pneumonia depends on a variety of factors, including the person's overall health, the severity of the infection, the type of organism causing the pneumonia, and the effectiveness of the treatment.
If a person is otherwise healthy and receives prompt and appropriate treatment, the prognosis for recovery may be good. However, even with effective treatment, recovery may take several weeks. If the infection is more serious, a person may require hospitalization and intensive care. In severe cases, a person can experience complications such as respiratory failure, sepsis, and organ failure, which can be life-threatening.
In the most severe cases, pneumonia can be fatal. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 50,000 people in the United States die from pneumonia each year. It is estimated that about 5 percent of people with pneumonia die from the condition. The risk of death is higher in people who are older, have a weakened immune system, or have underlying medical conditions.
Overall, the length of time that someone with severe pneumonia can live depends on the severity of the infection, how quickly the person receives treatment, and their overall health. With prompt and appropriate treatment, a person with severe pneumonia may be able to make a full recovery. However, in some cases, the infection can be fatal.