What are the potential complications of untreated pneumonia?

Untreated pneumonia can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications, with respiratory failure being one of the most significant. Pneumonia causes inflammation and fluid accumulation in the lungs, which can impair oxygen exchange and lead to inadequate oxygen supply to the body's organs. When this impairment becomes severe, it can result in respiratory failure, where the lungs can no longer adequately oxygenate the blood or remove carbon dioxide.

Additional potential complications of untreated pneumonia include sepsis, which is a systemic infection that can arise when bacteria from the lungs enter the bloodstream, and other issues such as lung abscesses or pleural effusion (fluid collection around the lungs). By understanding these risks, medical coders and healthcare providers can emphasize the importance of diagnosing and treating pneumonia promptly to avoid complications like respiratory failure.