Rudy Giuliani Recovering After Serious Pneumonia Scare
Rudy Giuliani was hospitalized after a serious bout with pneumonia, and his condition was described as critical but stable.
The Associated Press reported that the 81-year-old former New York City mayor had been placed on a ventilator before showing improvement Monday. His spokesman, Ted Goodman, said Giuliani remained under medical watch at a Florida hospital.
Goodman stated that Giuliani’s pneumonia was complicated by restrictive airway disease, which he linked to Giuliani’s exposure after the Sept. 11 attacks. According to ABC News, Goodman said the illness quickly overwhelmed his body and required mechanical ventilation to help maintain oxygen and stabilize him.
Reuters also reported on the events, confirming that Giuliani was recovering from pneumonia Monday while still hospitalized in critical but stable condition. The outlet also reported he was admitted to Good Samaritan Medical Center in West Palm Beach.
On Friday, Giuliani was heard coughing during his online show, “America’s Mayor Live,” and told viewers his voice was under the weather.
People reported that Dr. Maria Ryan told Fox News a priest had visited Giuliani while he was critically ill, including to perform last rites. Ryan said he was “doing much better” Monday after the frightening turn.
Giuliani served as mayor of New York City from 1994 to 2001 and became known nationally for his role in the city’s response to the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
What pneumonia does to the body
According to the Mayo Clinic, pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. Those air sacs can fill with fluid or pus, which can lead to coughing, fever, chills, phlegm, and trouble breathing. The Cleveland Clinic adds that pneumonia can come from bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.
Symptoms can include fever, cough with yellow, green, or bloody mucus, fatigue, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, chills, chest pain, and confusion.
Why pneumonia can become dangerous
Pneumonia can be life-threatening for older people, young children, or people with health problems and weakened immune systems.
Complications can come in the form of bacteria spreading into the bloodstream, trouble getting enough oxygen, and the need for hospitalization or a breathing machine.
If any of the above symptoms sound familiar, especially if you’re experiencing trouble breathing, chest pain, a lasting high fever, or a persistent cough, see a doctor immediately.
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