Bacterial pneumonia is an infection of one or both of the lungs.
Unlike viral pneumonia, which is treated with rest and water, this infection requires a course of antibiotics.
The bacteria causes the lungs to become inflamed, filled with pus and fluid, making it hard for the body to process oxygen and carbon dioxide.
It means patients often struggle to breathe, become easily exhausted, and need more intense medical attention.
WHAT CAUSES BACTERIAL PNEUMONIA?
- Most infections come from inhaling droplets of saliva or nasal mucus from sneezes, coughs or skin-to-skin contact.
- The most common forms of bacteria that cause pneumonia are:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae (lives in the nose and throat, can go on to enter the lung and bloodstream)
- Haemophilus influenzae (lives in respiratory tract)
- Klebsiella pneumonia (lives in the mouth, skin, digestive tract)
- Staphylococcus aureus (lives in the skin)
WHO IS MOST AT-RISK?
- Infants
- Adults over 65
- People with weak immunity
- Drug abusers
- People with lung disease
- Smokers
WHAT ARE BACTERIAL PNEUMONIA SYMPTOMS?
- Coughing up thick yellow, green mucus
- Coughing up blood
- Searing chest pain
- Sudden chills
- Fever above 102F
- Lethargy
- Moist, clammy skin
- Paleness
- Confusion (common in adults over 60)
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
HOW IS IT TREATED?
- Course of antibiotics
- Over-the-counter medications for cough or fever
HOW TO AVOID BACTERIAL PNEUMONIA
You can avoid pneumonia by exercising, eating well, resting, and not smoking.
The CDC also advises that you wash your hands and use hand sanitizer regularly.
Young children should get the PCV13 vaccine, which comes in several doses for babies under one year old.
By Mia de Graaf
Source: Daily Mail UK
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