I don't believe they can directly cause pH but they can certainly aggravate the pressure numbers and the SOB, for sure.
May 5
That's a really important question. While pneumonia and sepsis aren't directly listed as known causes of pulmonary hypertension (PH), they can contribute to conditions that may trigger or worsen PH.
Here's what we do know about how lung-related stress can connect to PH:
- Serious lung infections can lead to low oxygen Show Full Answer
That's a really important question. While pneumonia and sepsis aren't directly listed as known causes of pulmonary hypertension (PH), they can contribute to conditions that may trigger or worsen PH.
Here's what we do know about how lung-related stress can connect to PH:
- Serious lung infections can lead to low oxygen levels (hypoxia), which is a known trigger for PH
- Long-term or repeated low oxygen levels can cause changes in the pulmonary blood vessels, raising pressure over time
- Inflammation — which is a major part of both pneumonia and sepsis — can restrict blood flow and put added stress on the heart and lungs PH is more commonly associated with underlying conditions like lung disease, heart disease, and autoimmune conditions. However, anything that causes prolonged low oxygen or significant lung damage could potentially increase the risk.
It's always best to speak with your care team about your specific history, especially if you've had serious infections in the past. They can help connect the dots between your health history and your PH diagnosis.
May 5