Pneumonia - Prognosis

Other Complications of Pneumonia. In rare cases, infection may spread from the lungs to the heart and possibly throughout the body. This can cause abscesses in the brain and other organs. Severe hemoptysis (coughing up blood) is another potentially serious complication of pneumonia, particularly in patients with other lung problems such as cystic fibrosis.

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Long Term Effects of Atypical Pneumonias

The pneumonias cased by the atypical organisms Mycoplasma and Chlamydia are usually mild. Some research suggests, however, that these organisms, particularly Chlamydia, may have powerful inflammatory effects in the blood vessels. This effect may have certain adverse long-term consequences even in healthy younger individuals.

Heart Disease and Stroke. Research has suggested that the C. pneumoniae may trigger the immune system to react, causing inflammation in the coronary arteries. Over time, this can cause hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Atherosclerosis can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Studies on a causal relationship between C. pneumoniae and heart disease have been mixed.

Click the icon to see an image of arterial plaque.

C. pneumoniae has been associated with a thickening in the carotid arteries that lead to the brain -- a risk factor for stroke. It is not clear whether the organism poses any significant risk for stroke.

Atherosclerosis of internal carotid artery

Click the icon to see an image of atherosclerosis of the internal carotid artery.

Asthma. Chlamydia pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and RSV are becoming suspects in many cases of severe adult asthma. One small Australian study found evidence of previous C. pneumoniae infection in 64% of the asthmatic patients tested.