Complications of pneumonia are most common in high risk groups – young children, the elderly, and those with a long-term health conditions.
Possible complications of pneumonia include:
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Pleural effusions, empyema, and pleurisy– these are very painful and potentially fatal complications. They can occur if pneumonia is not treated. The pleura is a membrane that consists of two large, thin layers - one layer wraps around the outside of your lungs and the other layer lines the inside of your chest cavity. Pleurisy is when the two layers of the pleura become irritated and inflamed, causing sharp pain each time you breathe in. The pleural space is a very thin space between the two pleura. Pleural effusions are the build-up of fluid in the pleural space. If the fluid becomes infected, it is called empyema. If this happens, you may need to have the fluid drained through a chest tube or removed with a surgery (3).
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Lung abscess – a rare complication. It is mostly seen in people with a serious pre-existing illness or a history of severe alcohol misuse,
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Blood poisoning (septicaemia) – also a rare but serious complication
You will require hospital treatment if you develop any of these complications (1).
References
(1) Nhs.uk. (2016). Pneumonia - NHS Choices. [online] Available at: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Pneumonia/Pages/Introduction.aspx#complications [Accessed 31 Mar. 2017].
(2) Cdc.gov. (2017). Pneumococcal Disease | Symptoms and Complications | CDC. [online] Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/pneumococcal/about/symptoms-complications.html [Accessed 31 Mar. 2017]
(3) Nhlbi.nih.gov. (2016). Signs, Symptoms, and Complications - NHLBI, NIH. [online] Available at: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/pnu/signs [Accessed 31 Mar. 2017].