Copyright Us Weekly
After Hollywood icon Diane Keaton died from bacterial pneumonia, doctors are raising awareness about the symptoms of the infection and how it can turn fatal in a matter of days. “Working as a pulmonologist, I’ve treated lots of patients with pneumonia,” Dr. Emma Lin, a board-certified pulmonologist and sleep medicine specialist who did not treat Keaton, exclusively told Us Weekly. “What I’ve realized is that awareness and timing for action can save lives. People often overlook signs such as cough or tiredness, assuming it’s the simple ‘cold.’ But if breath becomes more difficult or healing becomes slower, then it’s the right time to consult the doctor.” Keaton died on October 11, 2025, at age 79. Her death certificate confirmed primary bacterial pneumonia as her cause of death and did not list any other contributing factors, per People. The outlet reported that Keaton began seeing a doctor on September 24, 2025, and battled the illness for several days. Keaton last saw a doctor two days before her death. Health care providers are sounding the alarm on how dangerous bacterial pneumonia can be, how it can turn into sepsis and which age groups are most susceptible. “As an ICU doctor, I’m glad this is being publicized,” Dr. Adjoa Boateng Evans, a critical care anesthesiologist at Duke University School of Medicine, exclusively told Us. (Dr. Boateng Evans did not treat Keaton.) Scroll below for more information and the warning signs of bacterial pneumonia. What Is Bacterial Pneumonia? “Bacterial pneumonia occurs when the lungs are infected with bacteria, particularly the small air sacs in the lungs that bring in oxygen and get it moving into the bloodstream, referred to as the alveoli,” Dr. Lin, who cofounded ReadyO2.com, told Us. There are different types of pneumonia, but “bacterial pneumonia differs from viral in its onset, which occurs quickly” and “individuals can rapidly move from healthy to extremely ill in no time,” Lin added. Additionally, Dr. Boateng Evans told Us “Pneumonia exists in many iterations, but most commonly: bacterial, viral and fungal. The primary difference about bacterial pneumonia is that it can be treated with antibiotics and patients often arrive with a more severe presentation.” Pneumonia “kills an estimated 3 million people around the world each year,” according to Pfizer, “with approximately 25 cases occurring in every 10,000 adults.” What Are the Symptoms of Bacterial Pneumonia? Bacterial pneumonia has a distinct range of symptoms. “Chills and coughing up pus are typical,” Dr. Lin said. “Many times, I tell my patients it’s like fluid lays in the lungs and prevents the oxygen from performing its duty.” “Common symptoms are cough, fever, shortness of breath, chest pain and fatigue,” she added. How Is Bacterial Pneumonia Diagnosed? When it comes to diagnosing bacterial pneumonia, Dr. Boateng Evans said health professionals typically take “a thorough history and physical, obtain a chest X-ray, sputum culture and ascertain vital signs to see if oxygen levels are low.” Dr. Lin echoed the importance of the chest X-ray “in case there’s fluid or infection.” Is Bacterial Pneumonia Treatable? “Yes, it’s highly treatable, provided it’s treated early enough,” Dr. Lin said. “We treat it with antibiotics that kill the infection. Some individuals also require oxygen therapy if the oxygen level falls below too low. Resting, fluids and ventilation support also assist.”\ The doctor revealed that ReadyO2 is “developing technology that enables individuals to monitor their own oxygen at home, so we can identify issues prior to them spiraling out of control.” Dr. Boateng Evans also added that the illness can be treated by “IV, oral or inhaled antibiotics depending on the presentation alongside rest, control of fever and supportive care.” What Age Group Does Pneumonia Affect the Most? “Pneumonia can affect anyone, but it’s deadliest in babies, the elderly and in people with compromised antibodies or chronic respiratory conditions such as COPD or asthma,” Dr. Lin said. Why Is Pneumonia More Serious for Older Adults? “In older adults, it can appear different, sometimes [with] no fever at all,” Dr. Lin explained. “They can feel weak, disoriented or lose their appetite. With age, the immune system weakens and the lungs bounce back less quickly. That’s why pneumonia can become serious very fast in older adults. In my practice, I’ve observed how even a small infection can land an older patient in the hospital.” In a 2015 global study, “researchers found that cases of pneumonia sent 6.8 million older adults to the hospital,” that year, per Pfizer. Are People Usually Bedridden When They Have Pneumonia? As for whether or not patients are typically bedridden when they have pneumonia, the answer can vary depending on the severity of the infection. “If mild, typically not, though patients may feel fatigued,” Dr. Boateng Evans said. “However, severe cases usually necessitate bed rest/hospitalization. If not treated within the first 1-3 days, the disease can progress and cause downstream effects.” Similarly, Dr. Lin said, “Some recover at home with medicine and repose, but others, particularly the elderly, require hospital admission. I’ve seen patients who were unable to walk from corner to corner in the same room without struggling for breath. After the infection recedes, we assist them in gaining strength gradually.” How Long Can Someone Go With Untreated Bacterial Pneumonia? According to Dr. Lin, pneumonia patients likely cannot go “very long” with an untreated infection. “If untreated, pneumonia can take a turn for the worse in a short span of days,” she shared. “The infection intensifies, fluid collects in the lungs and the amount of oxygen decreases. In some instances, it can lead to sepsis or respiratory failure, which are fatal. Seeking assistance immediately actually does count, it can be a lifesaver.” What Is the Correlation Between Pneumonia and Sepsis? Sepsis is a “serious condition in which the body responds improperly to an infection,” per Mayo Clinic. Early treatment of the condition can improve a patient’s chances for survival. There’s a risk of sepsis turning into septic shock, “a dramatic drop in blood pressure that can damage the lungs, kidneys, liver and other organs. When the damage is severe, it can lead to death.” Those stricken with serious cases of pneumonia are at risk of getting sepsis, “in which infection travels throughout the bloodstream, or ARDS, in which the lungs are unable to receive enough oxygen,” Dr. Lin said, emphasizing that “both are emergencies.” When it comes to the recent influx of celebrities who have battled sepsis and other severe illnesses, Dr. Boateng Evans offered an insightful note: “Regarding celebrities falling ill to sepsis, I always say, ‘sepsis doesn’t discriminate.’ Certainly some groups are more vulnerable than others, but the body’s inflammatory response to sepsis can be really profound and rapidly cause multi-system organ failure (MSOF).”
