Mary Lou Retton Hospitalized with Pneumonia
Former Olympic gold medal-winning gymnast Mary Lou Retton has been hospitalized with a rare form of pneumonia, according to her daughter McKenna Kelley’s Instagram. Retton, who is 55 years old, has been in the intensive care unit for more than a week and is “unable to breathe on her own,” Kelley said in her post. News of Retton’s illness has prompted an outpouring of support and donations from her fans.
What is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus, causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. Various organisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, can cause pneumonia.
While pneumonia can be a severe illness, it is treatable with antibiotics and other medications. The prognosis for Mary Lou Retton is not yet known, but her fans and supporters are sending their well wishes and hoping for a speedy recovery.
