Kyle Busch News: How Does Pneumonia Turn Into Sepsis?
NASCAR legend Kyle Busch's cause of death, at the age of only 41, was disturbing. His family released an update revealing that he died of sepsis from pneumonia. That has a lot of people wondering: What is sepsis? How does pneumonia turn into sepsis? How common is that, especially in someone so young?
"The medical evaluation provided to the Busch Family concluded that severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, resulting in rapid and overwhelming associated complications," Busch's family said in a May 23 statement released to The Athletic's Jeff Gluck. "The Family asks for continued understanding and privacy during this difficult time."
A man wrote in the comment thread, "Same exact thing took my mom 6 weeks ago. It's heartbreaking to see it happen to a loved one and your powerless. Prayers to the Busch family." Busch, who had been struggling with a sustained cough and sinus cold, went unresponsive after using a racing simulator.
How Does Sepsis Turn Into Pneumonia? What Is Sepsis?
According to the Sepsis Alliance, "Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs. The infection can be only in one lung, or it can be in both." Pneumonia is caused by a virus, bacteria, or fungus.
"Left untreated, the infection can be deadly. In the days before antibiotics, it's estimated that about one-third of those who developed bacterial pneumonia died," the Alliance wrote.
"Sepsis and septic shock can result from an infection anywhere in the body, including pneumonia," the Sepsis Alliance added. "Sepsis, which was often called blood poisoning, is the body's life-threatening response to infection. Like strokes or heart attacks, sepsis is a medical emergency that requires rapid diagnosis and treatment."
According to the Alliance, people can get Sepsis in many different ways. "Any infection, anywhere in the body, can cause sepsis. While sepsis is most frequently caused by respiratory infections, like pneumonia; urinary tract infections (UTIs); and infections on the skin, other infections that may not seem serious can also cause sepsis," that site explained.
Sepsis Can Cause a Dramatic Blood Pressure Drop & Organ Damage
According to the Mayo Clinic, Sepsis "is a serious condition in which the body responds improperly to an infection. The infection-fighting processes turn on the body, causing the organs to work poorly."
"Sepsis may progress to septic shock. This is 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," the Mayo Clinic added.
According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of sepsis may include:
- "Symptoms specific to the type of infection, such as painful urination from a urinary tract infection or worsening cough from pneumonia."
- Change in mental status.
- Fast, shallow breathing.
- Sweating for no clear reason.
- Feeling lightheaded.
- Shivering.
What Is the Mortality Rate for Sepsis?
It's possible to recover from Sepsis. But the mortality rate is high when people go into septic shock.
"As sepsis worsens, vital organs, such as the brain, heart and kidneys, don't get as much blood as they should. Sepsis may cause atypical blood clotting. The resulting small clots or burst blood vessels may damage or destroy tissues," Mayo Clinic wrote.
"Most people recover from mild sepsis, but the mortality rate for septic shock is about 30% to 40%. Also, an episode of severe sepsis raises the risk for future infections."
A major study found that sepsis among the young is increasing.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published May 23, 2026 at 4:42 PM.