Pneumonia: Outlook / Prognosis
What is the outlook for pneumonia?
People who are otherwise healthy often recover quickly when given prompt and proper care. However, pneumonia is a serious condition and can be life-threatening if left untreated and especially for those individuals at increased risk for pneumonia.
Even patients who have been successfully treated and have fully recovered may face long-term health issues. Children who have recovered from pneumonia have an increased risk of chronic lung diseases. Adults may experience:
- Decreased ability to exercise
- Worsening of cardiovascular disease
- Mental decline
- General decline in quality of life for months or years