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EXPLAINED: THE ILLNESSES THAT ALMOST KILLED WHOOPI GOLDBERG

Whoopi Goldberg says she was told she had a 1 in 3 risk of dying when she contracted pneumonia this year. 

The 63-year-old developed double pneumonia and sepsis. 

WHAT IS DOUBLE PNEUMONIA?

There are two types of pneumonia - bacterial and viral - which manifest themselves differently. It's not clear which type Whoopi had. 

But in either case, it can turn into double pneumonia, which is very difficult to treat.

Double pneumonia is the type that affects both lungs. 

The symptoms are the same as any other type of pneumonia:

  • Coughing up mucus
  • Fever
  • Chest pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue

The biggest issue with double pneumonia is that it can develop into sepsis, which happened with Whoopi.  

WHAT IS SEPSIS?

Sepsis is an infection of the blood.   

It occurs when the body reacts to an infection by attacking its own organs and tissues. 

Worldwide, someone dies from the condition every 3.5 seconds. 

Sepsis has similar symptoms to flu, gastroenteritis and a chest infection.

These include:

  • Slurred speech or confusion
  • Extreme shivering or muscle pain
  • Passing no urine in a day
  • Severe breathlessness
  • It feels like you are dying
  • Skin mottled or discoloured

Treatment varies depending on the site of the infection but involves antibiotics, IV fluids and oxygen, if necessary. 

HOW WOULD DOCTORS TREAT DOUBLE PNEUMONIA & SEPSIS?

Treatment is usually antibiotics, which may need to be given intravenously in hospital in severe cases.

However, if it's viral pneumonia (as opposed to bacterial) antibiotics may not be appropriate, making it harder to treat, using antiviral medications. 

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Whoopi Goldberg's doctors reveal she had 'a 1 in 3 chance of dying' when star was admitted to hospital with double pneumonia and sepsis 

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