Pneumonia, the lung infection that killed Dnoé Lamiss

Carolina Sobe's sister, Dnoé Lamiss, died at the age of 53 after spending 40 days in a coma. According to Sobe, the cause was pneumonia, which was complicated by an unspecified underlying condition affecting her mitral valve.

According to the MedlinePlus information portal of the United States National Library of Medicine, pneumonia is an infection in one or both lungs , which causes the alveoli (the small sacs where gases exchange between the blood and air) to fill with fluid or pus. It can be very serious and seriously endanger the life of the affected person.

What is pneumonia and why does it occur?

In most cases, pneumonia is the result of a bacterial infection ; however, it can also be caused by a viral or fungal infection. If it is bacterial, it may appear on its own or follow a viral respiratory infection such as a cold or the flu.

The pathogen species causing the clinical picture is also closely related to its severity and the difficulty of treatment. Some of the bacteria that cause it include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae , and Haemophilus influenzae type b ( Hib ); regarding viruses, respiratory syncytial virus, some common colds, influenza viruses, and SARS-CoV-2 (which causes COVID-19) can trigger pneumonia.

The chances of developing pneumonia are higher in children under two years of age and adults over 65; exposure to certain chemicals (pollutants, toxic fumes, etc.) and some lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol consumption, malnutrition) also increase the risk. Particularly in recent years, hospitalization, especially in the ICU, has emerged as another important risk factor, as has sedation or the use of ventilation systems. Other people who may suffer from it more frequently include those with a history of lung disease, those with a weakened immune system, those with coughing or swallowing problems (for example, due to a stroke or other conditions), those who have recently had a cold or the flu, or those living with chronic illnesses.

What are the symptoms?

The main symptoms of pneumonia include fever, chills, cough (usually with phlegm or secretions), difficulty breathing, chest pain, nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea.

However, signs can vary among different groups . For example, newborns and infants may show no signs of the infection, or they may vomit and have a fever and cough. They may also appear lethargic or, conversely, restless.

Similarly, older adults and people with serious illnesses or weakened immune systems may experience minor, milder symptoms or even a lower-than-normal body temperature. They may also suddenly feel weak or confused.

Sometimes pneumonia can lead to other conditions with their own symptoms and risks, such as bacteremia (infection in the bloodstream), lung abscesses, pleural disorders, kidney failure, and respiratory failure.

How is it treated?

Pneumonia is usually diagnosed through a comprehensive approach that includes imaging tests such as a chest X-ray and blood tests, sputum or phlegm tests, computed tomography (CT) scan, pulse oximetry, or bronchoscopy.

From that point on, treatment depends on the type of pneumonia , the causative agent, and the severity of the symptoms. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe antiviral, antifungal, or antibiotic medications. Hospital treatment may also be necessary if symptoms are severe or if there is a risk of complications. Supportive therapies such as oxygen therapy may also be administered.

Although some people recover from pneumonia in a short period of time , for others recovery may take much longer.

References

MedlinePlus. Pneumonia. Accessed online at https://medlineplus.gov/pneumonia.html on September 8, 2025.

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