Val Kilmer’s death on Tuesday reminded him of the risk of pneumonia.
The actor best known for his role as Iceman in “Top Gun” was 65 years old, along with “Batman Forever,” “The Door,” and many other films. Respiratory infection In Los Angeles, the Associated Press reported.
Kilmer’s daughter Mercedes confirmed the cause of death, noting that the actor had previously recovered Throat cancer After the diagnosis in 2015.
Five years after prolonged lung injury: Here’s what you need to know
What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia is defined as a lung infection by the Cleveland Clinic Caused by bacteriaviruses or fungi.
Val Kilmer’s death on Tuesday, 65, reminded him of the risk of pneumonia. (AP image)
This can cause lung tissue to expand and cause fluid or pus buildup in the lungs.
Dr. Marc Siegel, a senior medical analyst and professor of clinical medicine at NYU Langone Health and Fox News, said the risk of pneumonia is fundamental. Health status of the strength of a patient and their immune system.
“I vaped for a year and died.”
“Val Kilmer has a history of throat cancer, but I don’t know if he had been undergoing recent treatment.
“We also don’t have any information on the exact type of pneumonia he had.”
Bacteria and viral pneumonia
That’s the case of most community-acquired pneumonia Bacteria or virus.
Bacterial pneumonia is usually more severe than viral pneumonia, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
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It can be caused by an infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae, also known as pneumococcal disease. According to the above sources, other bacteria that can cause respiratory diseases include H. pneumoniae, influenza, chlamydia pneumonia, and Legionnaires (Legionnaire’s disease).
“Val Kilmer had a history of throat cancer, but I don’t know if he had been treated recently. (AP News)
“Pneumococcus is the main cause of pneumonia, and it can be fatal,” Siegel said. “Invasive pneumococcal disease can have a mortality rate of up to 20% in adults.”
The risk of bacterial pneumonia increases with age and chronic illness, doctors added.
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Viral pneumonia can be caused by viruses including influenza, common colds COVID-19 (COVID-19) Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), according to the Cleveland Clinic.
This type of pneumonia is usually resolved on its own.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, viral pneumonia can be attributed to viruses including influenza, colds, covid-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). (istock)
If not very common, some fungi (molds) or protozoa can cause pneumonia.
“The biggest concern is that it can spread into the bloodstream and cause sepsis. This is definitely life-threatening,” Siegel warned.
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Atypical pneumonia is caused by mycoplasma, Legionella and chlamydia types (not STDs) and pertussis, doctors added.
Treatment and prevention
Early diagnosis and treatment are key to recovery, especially in at-risk patients, Siegel said.
High-risk groups include very young, very old, immunocompromised people, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and patients. People who smoke.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends for people over the age of 60. Pneumococcal vaccine.
“The effective version known as PrevNAR can work against 20 different strains,” Siegel says.
