What is Bacterial Pneumonia?
Bacterial Pneumonia is a lung infection caused by bacteria. Bacteria enter the lungs through breathing or blood. Usually, bacterial pneumonia is mild, but in some cases, it can be fatal.
How common is Bacterial Pneumonia?
Bacterial pneumonia is a very common disease, it can happen to anyone. People who live in contaminated areas or have compromised immune systems are usually at higher risk. You can reduce your risk factors for this disease. Always consult a doctor for more information.
What are the signs and symptoms of Bacterial pneumonia?
Common symptoms of bacterial pneumonia are chest pain, chills, confusion, cough, fever, headache, or muscle aches.
In some cases, the disease may present with several other symptoms, including:
- Pain when breathing
- Yellow or green phlegm (more than usual and sometimes bloody)
- Difficulty breathing
- Sweat
- Tired
Patients with severe pneumonia generally have difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, body temperature over 39°C, and/or confusion.
There may be symptoms not mentioned above. If you have concerns about a symptom, consult your doctor.
When Should I See A Doctor?
Bacterial pneumonia is often dangerous when severe. Call your doctor immediately if any of the following symptoms appear:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Fever over 39°C
- Frequent cough, especially hemoptysis
The following people should see a doctor immediately if they have bacterial pneumonia:
- Children under 2 years old
- Adults over 65 years old
- People with weak immune systems
- Patients undergoing chemotherapy or taking drugs that suppress the immune system
What Causes Bacterial Pneumonia?
Bacterial pneumonia occurs when bacteria bypass the body's defense mechanisms and enter the lungs, causing inflammation. The bacteria that cause bacterial pneumonia are streptococcus, mycoplasma, Staphylococcus, Haemophilus, and Legionella.
What Increases My Risk For Bacterial Pneumonia?
Everyone can get pneumonia. However, two age groups have the highest risk:
- Babies and children under the age of 2 years, because their immune system is still in the development stage
- Adults over 65 years old
Other risks include:
- Smoking affects lung activity and damages the body's natural immune system
- Some chronic diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and heart disease
- Weak immune system due to HIV/AIDS, organ transplantation, cancer chemotherapy, or long-term use of steroids
What Are My Treatment Options For Bacterial Pneumonia?
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
The common treatment for bacterial pneumonia is antibiotics. Patients with mild disease will be asked to take antibiotics and feel better after 2-3 days. Many patients can resume after 7-10 days.
If the disease becomes more severe, the patient must be hospitalized and given intravenous antibiotics.
They also need oxygen to clear mucus. In addition, patients may also require dialysis and treatment in the ICU.
What Are The Usual Tests For Bacterial Pneumonia?
Bacterial pneumonia is often difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are very similar to those of the flu. Some of the common diagnostic methods that doctors may use include:
- Medical history: the doctor will ask about signs and symptoms, when and how they occurred
- Physical examination: the doctor will check lung activity with a stethoscope. If you have pneumonia, your lungs will make certain sounds when you inhale
If you think you have pneumonia, your doctor may refer you for an X-ray for an accurate diagnosis. Then the doctor will do a blood or saliva test to find out the bacteria that cause pneumonia.
What Are Some Lifestyle Changes Or Home Remedies That Can Be Done To Treat Bacterial Pneumonia?
The following lifestyles can help you deal with Bacterial pneumonia:
- Ask your doctor where you can buy medicines. You should also tell your doctor if you are pregnant or taking any other medical treatment.
- Call the doctor if the condition becomes more severe or does not improve within 2-3 days.
- Regular hand washing is the best way to stop the spread of infection.
- Take medicines as prescribed. Take all the antibiotics.
- Use paracetamol or aspirin to relieve fever and pain (not for children).
- Drink plenty of fluids (six to eight glasses per day) to avoid dehydration.
- Breathe fresh air. You can buy a variety of nebulizers at pharmacies or discuss with your doctor if your home and workplace are too dry.
- Call your doctor if you have a fever, green or yellow saliva, dyspnea, chest pain, dark skin type, or pale lips and nails.
- Avoid areas with air pollution and cigarette smoke, especially if you have lung problems.
If you have any questions, consult a doctor for the best solution for your problem.