What is the treatment for bacterial pneumonia. Discover the causes, symptoms, and effective treatments for this serious respiratory infection.

Symptoms of Bacterial Pneumonia

The severity of bacterial pneumonia symptoms can vary. Some people only experience mild symptoms, while others develop life-threatening complications. According to the American Lung Association, typical symptoms of bacterial pneumonia include:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• A cough that may produce yellow or green mucus
• Fever
• Tiredness
• Chills

Symptoms of bacterial pneumonia tend to be similar in both children and adults. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, toddlers and infants may cry more than usual, have reduced energy, and appear pale.

Causes of Bacterial Pneumonia

Bacterial pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs due to bacterial infection. Different types of bacteria can cause pneumonia, and this type of pneumonia can occur in both lungs, one lung, or one section of a lung.

Pneumococcal disease, which Streptococcus pneumoniae causes, is a major cause of bacterial pneumonia. In the United States, it occurs in around 900,000 people each year, and approximately 400,000 of these require admission to a hospital. Pneumococcal pneumonia is fatal in roughly 5-7 percent of people who stay in the hospital for treatment.

Other types of bacteria can also cause pneumonia and significant harm, alongside other types of pathogens, including viruses, parasites, and fungi.

Complications of Bacterial Pneumonia

Bacterial pneumonia might be complicated in both children and adults. Anyone can develop complications from bacterial pneumonia, but people with weaker immune systems, younger children, and older adults have a higher risk. Complications may include:

• Respiratory failure: This might develop if oxygen levels in the lungs drop too low or if carbon dioxide levels spike. It can occur due to inadequate breathing ability, and respiratory failure may even cause lung function to stop completely.
• Sepsis: This occurs when an infection causes an overwhelming inflammatory response throughout the body. Sepsis can lead to failure in multiple organs and may be life-threatening.
• Lung abscess: This occurs when an infected pocket of pus forms in the lung.
• Empyema: This is an infectious collection of pus in the pleural cavity that surrounds the outside of lungs.

Swift treatment is vital for reducing the risk of complications.

Types of Bacterial Pneumonia

Pneumonia is often classified as either community-acquired pneumonia or hospital-acquired pneumonia. The classification refers to the location in which a person acquired the infection.

Community-acquired pneumonia is the by far more common type. If a person develops community-acquired pneumonia, it means infection occurred outside of a hospital. The pneumococcal bacterium usually enters the lungs after a person breathes in particles or droplets from a sneeze or cough from another individual who has the infection. Amongst the most common causes of community-acquired pneumonia are bacteria, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, the most common bacteria, and Haemophilus influenzae.

Hospital-acquired pneumonia develops while in the hospital and occurs after at least 48 hours of being admitted. Most patients with hospital-acquired pneumonia are very ill, and they become colonized with a bacterium in their mouth and/or upper respiratory tract that then enters their lungs to cause infection. The most common causes of hospital-acquired pneumonia are Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.

Risk Factors for Bacterial Pneumonia

Although anyone can develop bacterial pneumonia, certain factors increase the risk. According to the Cleveland Clinic, people who have a weakened immune system as a result of cancer, cancer treatment, or an organ transplant face an increased risk of bacterial pneumonia.

Does smoking increase the risk of bacterial pneumonia?

Yes, smoking is a significant risk factor for bacterial pneumonia. Smoking can weaken the lungs’ defenses against infection and make someone more susceptible to developing pneumonia.

Treatments for Bacterial Pneumonia

The treatment for bacterial pneumonia typically involves antibiotics. The specific antibiotic prescribed will depend on the type of bacteria causing the infection. In some cases, additional treatments may be necessary, such as oxygen therapy or hospitalization for severe cases.

How long do antibiotics take to treat bacterial pneumonia?

The duration of antibiotic treatment for bacterial pneumonia can vary, but it typically lasts 5-10 days. It’s important to take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms improve, to ensure the infection is fully cleared.

Preventing Bacterial Pneumonia

There are several steps individuals can take to help prevent bacterial pneumonia, including:

• Getting vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia and influenza, which can reduce the risk of developing bacterial pneumonia
• Practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands regularly and covering coughs and sneezes
• Avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke, which can weaken the lungs’ defenses against infection
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, to support a strong immune system

In conclusion, bacterial pneumonia is a serious respiratory infection that can have severe consequences if not treated promptly. By understanding the symptoms, causes, and risk factors, individuals can take steps to prevent and manage this condition effectively.

Bacterial pneumonia: Symptoms, causes, and treatment

Bacterial pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs due to bacterial infection. Different types of bacteria can cause pneumonia. This type of pneumonia can occur in both lungs, one lung, or one section of a lung.

Pneumococcal disease, which Streptococcus pneumoniae causes, is a major cause of bacterial pneumonia. In the United States, it occurs in around 900,000 people each year, and approximately 400,000 of these require admission to a hospital.

Pneumococcal pneumonia is fatal in roughly 5­-7 percent of people who stay in hospital for treatment.

Other types of bacteria can cause pneumonia and significant harm, alongside other types of pathogen, including viruses, parasites, and fungi.

In this article, we look at the symptoms, causes, and treatments of bacterial pneumonia, as well as how to prevent the disease.

Share on PinterestPneumonia might cause chest pain or shortness of breath.

The severity of bacterial pneumonia symptoms can vary. Some people only experience mild symptoms while others develop life-threatening complications.

According to the American Lung Association, typical symptoms of bacterial pneumonia include:

• chest pain
• shortness of breath
• a cough that may produce yellow or green mucus
• fever
• tiredness
• chills

Symptoms of bacterial pneumonia tend to be similar in both children and adults. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, toddlers and infants may cry more than usual, have reduced energy, and appear pale.

A person who suspects symptoms of pneumonia should seek medical attention. The cause of a particular presentation of pneumonia can be difficult to determine without seeing a physician.

Since the treatments for bacterial and viral pneumonia are different, finding the correct cause is vital for choosing the appropriate treatment regimen.

Complications

Bacterial pneumonia might be complicated in both children and adults. Anyone can develop complications from bacterial pneumonia, but people with weaker immune systems, younger children, and older adults have a higher risk.

Complications may include the following:

• Respiratory failure: This might develop if oxygen levels in the lungs drop too low or if carbon dioxide levels spike. It can occur due to inadequate breathing ability, and respiratory failure may even cause lung function to stop completely.
• Sepsis: This occurs when an infection causes an overwhelming inflammatory response throughout the body. Sepsis can lead to failure in multiple organs and may be life-threatening.
• Lung abscess: This occurs when an infected pocket of pus forms in the lung.
• Empyema: This is an infectious collection of pus in the pleural cavity that surrounds the outside of lungs

Swift treatment is vital for reducing the risk of complications.

Small air sacs called alveoli are within the lobes of each lung. Normally, these air sacs aid in the body’s gas exchange, while inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide.

When a person develops pneumonia, the air sacs experience inflammation, which can cause them to fill with fluid. If the air sacs fill with fluid rather than air, breathing might become difficult.

In some cases, the lungs and the rest of the body may not get enough oxygen.

Types

Pneumonia is often classified as either community-acquired pneumonia or hospital-acquired pneumonia. The classification refers to the location in which a person acquired the infection.

Community-acquired pneumonia is the by far more the common type. Other, less common types can occur, such as healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).

If a person develops community-acquired pneumonia, it means infection occurred outside of a hospital. The pneumococcal bacterium usually enters the lungs after a person breathes in particles or droplets from a sneeze or cough from another individual who has the infection.

Amongst the most common causes of community-acquired pneumonia are bacteria, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, the most common bacteria, and Haemophilus influenzae.

However, viruses, including influenza viruses, can also cause community-acquired pneumonia.

Hospital-acquired pneumonia develops while in the hospital and occurs after at least 48 hours of being admitted.

Most patients with hospital-acquired pneumonia are very ill, and they become colonized with a bacterium in their mouth and/or upper respiratory tract that then enters their lungs to cause infection.

The most common causes of hospital-acquired pneumonia are Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.

Risk factors

Although anyone can develop bacterial pneumonia, certain factors increase the risk.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, people who have a weakened immune system as a result of cancer, cancer treatment, or an organ transplant face an increased risk of bacterial pneumonia.

Smoking tobacco products and having a long-term lung condition, such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis COPD, increases the risk. Being over 65 years of age and having had recent surgery also puts people at a higher risk.

Share on PinterestA chest X-ray can help identify areas of inflammation.

Healthcare professionals can create a diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia after completing various diagnostic tests and performing a thorough history and physical exam. During a physical exam, the doctor will listen to the lungs to determine whether they sound dysfunctional.

In most cases, a doctor will conduct a chest X-ray to check for areas of inflammation and infiltrate in the lungs.

Additional tests may also support a pneumonia diagnosis, such as a chest CT scan and an arterial blood gas (ABG) sample. An ABG measures the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the arterial blood, in addition to other things like pH and bicarbonate levels, and helps determine breathing efficiency and gas exchange.

The medical team might also perform a bronchoscopy to look into the lung airways and obtain a biopsy or a mucus sample. The operating doctor inserts a small tube with a tiny camera attached through the mouth into the lungs.

A person receives medication before a bronchoscopy to numb and relax the throat, and the doctor typically also gives intravenous sedating medication.

Treatment for bacterial pneumonia includes antibiotics, which target the specific type of bacterium causing the infection. A doctor might also prescribe medications to ease breathing.

Additional medications may include over-the-counter (OTC) drugs to ease aches and pains, as well as reducing fever.

Home care will often include rest and drinking plenty of fluids unless a doctor instructs otherwise. Be sure to finish a course of antibiotic therapy according to the doctor’s prescription, even if symptoms have improved.

Some people may require hospitalization for a severe case of bacterial pneumonia, especially for a person who needs supplemental oxygen, is experiencing dehydration, or requires breathing assistance with a mechanical ventilator.

People who develop complications, like sepsis, may also require additional treatments that involve admission into a hospital.

As a precaution, those who have an increased risk of complications may also benefit from admission to enable closer monitoring. These groups include people over 65 years or under 2 months of age.

Share on PinterestA person can receive a vaccine for pneumonia from the age of 2 months.

One of the best ways to prevent bacterial pneumonia is by preserving the strength of the immune system. Eating healthy foods, getting enough rest, and frequent hand-washing are good starting points.

Since bacterial pneumonia can develop as a complication of the flu, getting an annual flu shot may prevent pneumonia.

Two different pneumococcal vaccines are also available for reducing a person’s risk of developing bacterial pneumonia due to S. pneumoniae bacterium, the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia. These vaccines are the PCV13 and PPSV23, which protect against 13 and 23 strains of the pneumococcal bacterium respectively.

Doctors recommend that adults over 65 years of age have both types of vaccine. Children should receive a series of PCV13 vaccination starting at 2 months of age. Overall health status and age may affect the recommendation for pneumococcal vaccination.

Ultimately, a doctor will be able to determine which vaccine you may need and when to have them.

Recognizing bacterial pneumonia

In addition to bacteria, viruses and fungi can also cause pneumonia. Regardless of the cause, symptoms of pneumonia are often similar.

The similar symptoms in people with both viral and bacterial pneumonia can make determining the cause difficult.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, symptoms of bacterial pneumonia tend to be more severe than viral pneumonia and can come on suddenly. Symptoms of viral pneumonia tend to develop more slowly and are more similar to the flu at first.

One way to tell the difference between viral and bacterial pneumonia is a mucus sample, also called a sputum sample. A person coughs up a mucus sample, or a doctor obtains one from the lungs during a bronchoscopy.

A medical professional then analyzes it in the laboratory to determine the presence of any bacteria.

Supportive treatment for pneumonia, such as supplemental oxygen and fever-reducing medicine, is often the same regardless of the cause. The main difference in treatment is that antibiotics are for treating bacterial pneumonia but are ineffective for viral pneumonia.

Q:

Is bacterial pneumonia more dangerous than viral pneumonia.

A:

Depending on immune system function, either type of pneumonia could be dangerous, especially in those with a weaker immune system.

For example, if a person is an older adult and has weaker immune system functioning, a viral infection, such as influenza, may develop into viral pneumonia, or it could lead to further weakening of the immune system, in which secondary bacterial pneumonia could occur.

A person in better overall health with a better functioning immune system has a lower risk of having pneumonia in general. However, is an individual has significant or worsening symptoms that could due to any type of pneumonia, visiting a physician is the best course of action for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Stacy Sampson, DOAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Was this helpful?

Bacterial pneumonia: Symptoms, causes, and treatment

Bacterial pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs due to bacterial infection. Different types of bacteria can cause pneumonia. This type of pneumonia can occur in both lungs, one lung, or one section of a lung.

Pneumococcal disease, which Streptococcus pneumoniae causes, is a major cause of bacterial pneumonia. In the United States, it occurs in around 900,000 people each year, and approximately 400,000 of these require admission to a hospital.

Pneumococcal pneumonia is fatal in roughly 5­-7 percent of people who stay in hospital for treatment.

Other types of bacteria can cause pneumonia and significant harm, alongside other types of pathogen, including viruses, parasites, and fungi.

In this article, we look at the symptoms, causes, and treatments of bacterial pneumonia, as well as how to prevent the disease.

Share on PinterestPneumonia might cause chest pain or shortness of breath.

The severity of bacterial pneumonia symptoms can vary. Some people only experience mild symptoms while others develop life-threatening complications.

According to the American Lung Association, typical symptoms of bacterial pneumonia include:

• chest pain
• shortness of breath
• a cough that may produce yellow or green mucus
• fever
• tiredness
• chills

Symptoms of bacterial pneumonia tend to be similar in both children and adults. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, toddlers and infants may cry more than usual, have reduced energy, and appear pale.

A person who suspects symptoms of pneumonia should seek medical attention. The cause of a particular presentation of pneumonia can be difficult to determine without seeing a physician.

Since the treatments for bacterial and viral pneumonia are different, finding the correct cause is vital for choosing the appropriate treatment regimen.

Complications

Bacterial pneumonia might be complicated in both children and adults. Anyone can develop complications from bacterial pneumonia, but people with weaker immune systems, younger children, and older adults have a higher risk.

Complications may include the following:

• Respiratory failure: This might develop if oxygen levels in the lungs drop too low or if carbon dioxide levels spike. It can occur due to inadequate breathing ability, and respiratory failure may even cause lung function to stop completely.
• Sepsis: This occurs when an infection causes an overwhelming inflammatory response throughout the body. Sepsis can lead to failure in multiple organs and may be life-threatening.
• Lung abscess: This occurs when an infected pocket of pus forms in the lung.
• Empyema: This is an infectious collection of pus in the pleural cavity that surrounds the outside of lungs

Swift treatment is vital for reducing the risk of complications.

Small air sacs called alveoli are within the lobes of each lung. Normally, these air sacs aid in the body’s gas exchange, while inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide.

When a person develops pneumonia, the air sacs experience inflammation, which can cause them to fill with fluid. If the air sacs fill with fluid rather than air, breathing might become difficult.

In some cases, the lungs and the rest of the body may not get enough oxygen.

Types

Pneumonia is often classified as either community-acquired pneumonia or hospital-acquired pneumonia. The classification refers to the location in which a person acquired the infection.

Community-acquired pneumonia is the by far more the common type. Other, less common types can occur, such as healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).

If a person develops community-acquired pneumonia, it means infection occurred outside of a hospital. The pneumococcal bacterium usually enters the lungs after a person breathes in particles or droplets from a sneeze or cough from another individual who has the infection.

Amongst the most common causes of community-acquired pneumonia are bacteria, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, the most common bacteria, and Haemophilus influenzae.

However, viruses, including influenza viruses, can also cause community-acquired pneumonia.

Hospital-acquired pneumonia develops while in the hospital and occurs after at least 48 hours of being admitted.

Most patients with hospital-acquired pneumonia are very ill, and they become colonized with a bacterium in their mouth and/or upper respiratory tract that then enters their lungs to cause infection.

The most common causes of hospital-acquired pneumonia are Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.

Risk factors

Although anyone can develop bacterial pneumonia, certain factors increase the risk.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, people who have a weakened immune system as a result of cancer, cancer treatment, or an organ transplant face an increased risk of bacterial pneumonia.

Smoking tobacco products and having a long-term lung condition, such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis COPD, increases the risk. Being over 65 years of age and having had recent surgery also puts people at a higher risk.

Share on PinterestA chest X-ray can help identify areas of inflammation.

Healthcare professionals can create a diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia after completing various diagnostic tests and performing a thorough history and physical exam. During a physical exam, the doctor will listen to the lungs to determine whether they sound dysfunctional.

In most cases, a doctor will conduct a chest X-ray to check for areas of inflammation and infiltrate in the lungs.

Additional tests may also support a pneumonia diagnosis, such as a chest CT scan and an arterial blood gas (ABG) sample. An ABG measures the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the arterial blood, in addition to other things like pH and bicarbonate levels, and helps determine breathing efficiency and gas exchange.

The medical team might also perform a bronchoscopy to look into the lung airways and obtain a biopsy or a mucus sample. The operating doctor inserts a small tube with a tiny camera attached through the mouth into the lungs.

A person receives medication before a bronchoscopy to numb and relax the throat, and the doctor typically also gives intravenous sedating medication.

Treatment for bacterial pneumonia includes antibiotics, which target the specific type of bacterium causing the infection. A doctor might also prescribe medications to ease breathing.

Additional medications may include over-the-counter (OTC) drugs to ease aches and pains, as well as reducing fever.

Home care will often include rest and drinking plenty of fluids unless a doctor instructs otherwise. Be sure to finish a course of antibiotic therapy according to the doctor’s prescription, even if symptoms have improved.

Some people may require hospitalization for a severe case of bacterial pneumonia, especially for a person who needs supplemental oxygen, is experiencing dehydration, or requires breathing assistance with a mechanical ventilator.

People who develop complications, like sepsis, may also require additional treatments that involve admission into a hospital.

As a precaution, those who have an increased risk of complications may also benefit from admission to enable closer monitoring. These groups include people over 65 years or under 2 months of age.

Share on PinterestA person can receive a vaccine for pneumonia from the age of 2 months.

One of the best ways to prevent bacterial pneumonia is by preserving the strength of the immune system. Eating healthy foods, getting enough rest, and frequent hand-washing are good starting points.

Since bacterial pneumonia can develop as a complication of the flu, getting an annual flu shot may prevent pneumonia.

Two different pneumococcal vaccines are also available for reducing a person’s risk of developing bacterial pneumonia due to S. pneumoniae bacterium, the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia. These vaccines are the PCV13 and PPSV23, which protect against 13 and 23 strains of the pneumococcal bacterium respectively.

Doctors recommend that adults over 65 years of age have both types of vaccine. Children should receive a series of PCV13 vaccination starting at 2 months of age. Overall health status and age may affect the recommendation for pneumococcal vaccination.

Ultimately, a doctor will be able to determine which vaccine you may need and when to have them.

Recognizing bacterial pneumonia

In addition to bacteria, viruses and fungi can also cause pneumonia. Regardless of the cause, symptoms of pneumonia are often similar.

The similar symptoms in people with both viral and bacterial pneumonia can make determining the cause difficult.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, symptoms of bacterial pneumonia tend to be more severe than viral pneumonia and can come on suddenly. Symptoms of viral pneumonia tend to develop more slowly and are more similar to the flu at first.

One way to tell the difference between viral and bacterial pneumonia is a mucus sample, also called a sputum sample. A person coughs up a mucus sample, or a doctor obtains one from the lungs during a bronchoscopy.

A medical professional then analyzes it in the laboratory to determine the presence of any bacteria.

Supportive treatment for pneumonia, such as supplemental oxygen and fever-reducing medicine, is often the same regardless of the cause. The main difference in treatment is that antibiotics are for treating bacterial pneumonia but are ineffective for viral pneumonia.

Q:

Is bacterial pneumonia more dangerous than viral pneumonia.

A:

Depending on immune system function, either type of pneumonia could be dangerous, especially in those with a weaker immune system.

For example, if a person is an older adult and has weaker immune system functioning, a viral infection, such as influenza, may develop into viral pneumonia, or it could lead to further weakening of the immune system, in which secondary bacterial pneumonia could occur.

A person in better overall health with a better functioning immune system has a lower risk of having pneumonia in general. However, is an individual has significant or worsening symptoms that could due to any type of pneumonia, visiting a physician is the best course of action for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Stacy Sampson, DOAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Was this helpful?

causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Pneumonia (pneumonia) is an inflammatory disease of the lungs. The disease is accompanied by damage to the lung tissue. Pneumonia can affect both individual foci, segments, and the lungs completely (totally).

During inflammation of the lungs, the alveoli and interstitial tissue (the connective tissue that is directly involved in the formation of the stroma – the basis of the lungs) are most affected.

Bacteria, viruses, toxins can lead to inflammation, damage to the lungs.

Pneumonia accounts for about 30% of inflammatory diseases of the lower respiratory tract.

The most common cases of pneumonia are people with chronic bronchitis, infections of the nose and throat, and heart failure.

At the same time, older people get pneumonia more often than young people, and the disease is more severe in them. If in young people sluggish focal pneumonia is more common, then in the elderly, acute pneumonia is not uncommon at once with damage to several segments of the lungs.

Smokers are also more likely to get pneumonia than non-smokers. This is due to the fact that the mucous membrane of the bronchi in smokers is thinner, and the protective reactions of the bronchopulmonary system are weakened.

The pathogenesis of pneumonia

The mechanism of origin – the pathogenesis of pneumonia is complex. It all depends on how the infection got into the body.

Ways of getting infection, toxins into the body are different:

• Through the bronchi ( bronchogenic pathogenesis). Bacteria, viruses enter the lungs by airborne droplets – directly from the inhaled air or indirectly (from the nose), upon contact of the mucous membranes (nose, eyes) with a surface on which there are viruses, bacteria.
• Through the blood (hematogenous pathogenesis). Such pneumonia most often develop against the background of sepsis – a purulent-septic lesion of the blood.
• Through the lymph . From the lymph, microorganisms penetrate to the epithelial cells of the bronchopulmonary system and adhere to them.
• From within (endogenous pathogenesis). In this case, the mechanism of the onset of the disease begins with a disturbed microflora (for example, the synthesis of mucins (glycoproteins) is disrupted in a person. Because of this, problems arise with mucociliary clearance, the task of which is to directly remove the rhinobronchial secret.

After bacteria, toxins, viruses got into the lungs, proteins cytokines (peptide information molecules) come into play. They are activated by the movement of neutrophils (parts of leukocytes), macrophages involved in the inflammatory process. It is cytokines that regulate the development of local defense reactions.

But if the bronchopulmonary protection is impaired, the immune system is weak, autoallergic and allergic reactions occur in the body, inflammation of the lungs occurs.

If fungi are to blame for the occurrence of the disease, then a characteristic feature of the mechanism of the development of the disease is the active reproduction of fungal cultures, the migration of leukocytes and the accumulation of serous fluid in the bronchioles, alveoli.

Symptoms of pneumonia

• Fever. Severe chills, temperature up to 40 °C. Occurs as a protective reaction of the body. Fever helps the body adapt to the effects of pyrogenic (biologically active) substances of viral and bacterial origin.
• Cough. May be dry or wet. Sputum can be watery and in the form of pus, mucus – yellowish, greenish, with advanced pneumonia – bloody,
• Lack of appetite. The body gives a kind of signal to the gastrointestinal tract so that it does not waste energy on digesting food. After all, these forces are needed to fight the disease. Especially with pneumonia, you do not want to eat heavy food (meat, mushrooms, legumes).
• Stitches in chest. Especially the pain intensifies on a deep breath.

Shortness of breath, palpitations, feeling of lack of oxygen (the heart begins to pump blood intensively).

Blue tint for lips, nails . This symptom is a direct reaction to the lack of oxygen in the body.

Unreasonable anxiety.

Causes of pneumonia

Pneumonia can be caused by both infection and other irritants.

Infectious pneumonia can be caused by:

• pneumococci (a species of streptococci),
• staphylococci,
• coronoviruses,
• influenza and parainfluenza viruses,
• fungi (genus Candida and yeast), 9003 0
• mycoplasma,
• adenoviruses,
• clepsiella
• herpes,
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa,
• legionella,
• enteroviruses (Coxsackie, ECHO),
• rhinovirus.

Bacterial pneumonia – most common. Pneumonia caused by viruses and fungi is less common

If pneumonia is non-infectious, then the reasons may be the following:

• prolonged exposure to chemical vapors;
• injuries (accident, unsuccessful operations)
• burns.
• radiation in the treatment of cancer.

Classification and stages of development of pneumonia

It is the cause of the disease – infectious and non-infectious – that is the main criterion for the classification of pneumonia. At the same time, if pneumonia is caused by an infection, bacterial viral and fungal pneumonia is isolated:

• Bacterial pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs that develops against the background of damage to the lung tissue by gram-negative and bacterial bacteria. The disease is accompanied by irritation of the pleura (lining the lung from the outside and the chest from the inside) and infiltration of the lung parenchyma (including the alveoral walls). If bacterial inflammation of the lungs is not treated in a timely manner, part of the lung tissue may necrosis, an abscess, gangrene may occur on the lung.
• Viral pneumonia is an acute disease with severe intoxication. The frequency of occurrence is closely related to epidemiological outbreaks (ARVI, coronovirus)
• Fungal pneumonia (pneumomycosis) is an inflammation of the lungs caused by the multiplication of strains of fungi in the alveoli and lung parenchyma. One of the most difficult types of pneumonia to diagnose.

One of the most dangerous is viral pneumonia, complicated by a bacterial or fungal infection. It is with such pneumonia that the risk of death is high.

Pathologies are typical and atypical. There are effective drugs and techniques for the treatment of typical pneumonias. Atypical pneumonias are more difficult to treat. The most complex atypical pneumonias are viral. Among bacterial pneumonias, the most problematic are atypical pneumonias caused by intracellular pathogens – chlamydia, legionella.

Essential for the diagnosis and treatment of pneumonia is their classification depending on the lesion (stage of lesion).

• Total . The lungs are completely affected.
• Groovy . One share is affected. It is extremely rare in children, but in adults, especially with bacterial pneumonia, it is a common occurrence.
• Single and double sided . Affects only the right or left or both lungs.
• Drain. There are several foci of inflammation, but almost immediately they merge into one.
• Segmental – affects one or more bronchopulmonary segments

Complications of pneumonia

Complications of pneumonia can affect both the lungs themselves and other organs.

Complications directly to the lungs

The most common complications that affect the lungs themselves:

• Pulmonary fibrosis . One of the most dangerous complications. The lung tissues are replaced by connective tissue, the respiratory area is significantly reduced, and respiratory failure occurs. At first, it is noticeable only when moving, and then at rest. The more connective tissue grows, the more progressing inflammation of the lungs.
• Acute respiratory failure – complete hypoxia. It begins with a feeling of lack of air, in the absence of medical care, a hypoxic coma occurs.
• Pleurisy – deposits of fibrin on the pleura, accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity, formation of adhesions. As a result, the mobility of the diaphragmatic dome is significantly limited. As a result, chronic respiratory failure develops. If not only liquid, but also pus accumulates in the cavity, purulent pleurisy develops, which is the cause of death.
• Destruction – response to purulent-necrotic infection. Accompanied by a sharp increase, pain in the sternum, the release of fetid sputum. With untimely measures taken, the probability of death is 2-5%, with intensive medical therapy under the control of pulmonologists, the prognosis is favorable.

Complications of the heart

Pneumonia is quite difficult for those who have heart problems.

A significant problem is the risk of complications on the heart itself:

• Myocarditis – inflammation of the heart muscle. At the same time, conductivity is also impaired. As a result, the patient is faced with the problem of palpitations, shortness of breath, swelling of the veins.
• Pericarditis – inflammation of the sheets of the pericardium. Consequences – severe shortness of breath – especially when moving and general weakness.
• Endocarditis – the formation of vegetations on the heart valves. A person begins to be haunted by shortness of breath and heavy sweating.

Diagnosis

When pneumonia is suspected, a comprehensive diagnosis is important:

• X-ray of the lungs. Recommended both for suspected disease and a month after treatment. X-ray allows you to see parenchymal (focal, diffuse) blackouts, to consider the pulmonary pattern (it is enhanced during infiltration).
• X-ray computed tomography of the chest. Most often prescribed if the X-ray of the lungs does not show the dynamics, and for some reason the treatment does not help the patient, or it is important for the doctor to examine the lungs of patients in those sections in which they are poorly accessible on the X-ray.
• Laboratory diagnostics. An important role is played by a complete blood count (especially leukocytes), a biochemical blood test and a sputum test.

• Bronchospasm. Endoscopic method. It is used if you need to find out if it is really pneumonia or an anatomical anomaly of the lung, a foreign object in the airways, a tumor.

In some cases, an ultrasound of the heart is additionally performed. Especially if there is a suspicion that not only the lungs, but also the heart muscle are inflamed.

Treatment

Treatment is based on stopping the cause of the disease, relieving symptoms and maintaining body reserves:

• Anti-infective drug therapy. Drugs are selected strictly based on what is the pathogen. Therefore, therapy can be antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal.

Among antibacterial drugs, amoxicillin, macrolides, cephalosporins, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, carbapenems, aminoglycosides give a good effect. If pneumonia is mixed or the exact pathogen is not identified, sometimes several drugs are combined. If pneumonia is of a viral nature, anciclovir, cidofovir is prescribed. Foscarnet and other drugs. It all depends on the type of virus. With fungal pneumonia, antimycotic drugs are prescribed. With an unknown pathogen, a combined antibiotic therapy of 2-3 drugs is prescribed. The course of treatment can last from 7-10 to 14 days, it is possible to change the antibiotic.

• Symptomatic therapy. As symptoms, patients with pneumonia are prescribed expectorant, antipyretic, antihistamine (antiallergic) drugs.
• Physiotherapy. This type of treatment is relevant only at the stage when there is no fever. Effective options for physiotherapy – UHF, massage, electrophoresis.

Prognosis

For a long time, most pneumonias were associated with a risk of death. But with the development of pharmacology, the advent of antibiotics, antiviral and antimycotic agents, if treatment is started in a timely manner, in most cases, especially if a person does not have chronic diseases, the prognosis is favorable.

The main thing is that the cause of the disease (bacteria, viruses, fungus) should be identified in a timely manner and drug therapy should be started on time.

Timely treatment is also the minimization of complications. The main thing is to take into account the general condition of the patient, comorbidities. The greatest risk of complications is in the elderly, children under 5 years of age, people with chronic diseases of the heart, respiratory tract, kidneys, and weakened immune systems.

The best result of treatment and a favorable prognosis is provided by complex treatment in a hospital setting.

Prevention

One of the main methods of pneumonia is vaccination. There is no universal vaccine for pneumonia. But a very good result is given by vaccinations of pneumococcus (the most common causative agent of bacterial pneumonia) and from influenza.

Vaccination against pneumococcus and influenza is especially indicated for people from high-risk groups:

• people over 65;
• suffering from bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis,
• after myocardial infarction,
• persons with ischemic heart disease, cardiomyopathies.

Also (with strict control and assessment of the situation by an infectious disease specialist), such vaccinations can be indicated for people with severe liver diseases and HIV.

An extremely important element of prevention is breathing exercises. If a person regularly does breathing exercises, then his lung ventilation improves significantly, it is easier for him to monitor his breathing, the respiratory apparatus is strengthened, the accumulated sputum regularly leaves (and there is no risk of congestion).

It is better to start with breathing exercises in the supine position of the body

1. Put your left hand on your stomach, your right hand on your sternum. Inhale and inflate your belly. Then exhale slowly with the maximum possible retraction of the abdomen. At the first lesson, repeat the exercise for one minute. After three weeks, do the exercise for 3 minutes.
2. Inhale the air and clearly pronounce the sounds “ha”, “m”, “r” and “g”. The exercise time, as in the previous case, is from 1 to 3 minutes.

If the exercises are well tolerated, you can take on more complex options: for example, try the exercises from the Strelnikova complex or practice yoga.

Since pneumonia can have a different nature, and its course is possible in different forms, the approach to diagnosis, prevention, and treatment should be comprehensive. It is best to treat pneumonia not at home, but in a hospital setting. Extensive experience in the treatment of pneumonia – the doctors of the pulmonology department of the 5th hospital in Minsk. The hospital has a comprehensive diagnostic base. There are experienced doctors on staff. Including, in addition to pulmonologists, the hospital has an excellent staff of cardiologists, which is important to minimize the risk of complications. There are all conditions for treatment and rehabilitation.

Bacterial pneumonia: causes, symptoms, signs, treatment, diagnosis, prevention

03/28/2016

Symptoms
Pain or discomfort

Show more

Overview

Bacterial pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by bacteria, most commonly pneumococcal bacteria. However, the disease can be caused by staphylococcus bacteria or other bacteria. Predominantly during the cough of an infected person, such pathogenic organisms are transferred from one person to another. Patients with bacterial pneumonia mainly suffer from cough, fever, weakness, shortness of breath, headache, or chest pain. Symptoms of bacterial pneumonia can vary from person to person and can be mild or severe. Occasionally, bacterial pneumonia can lead to life-threatening complications, particularly in the elderly or those with chronic illnesses.

What to expect

The symptoms of bacterial pneumonia can come on suddenly or develop gradually. They may resemble a severe cold or flu. Elderly people or those with chronic illnesses may experience mild symptoms of pneumonia. However, they are more likely to develop serious complications. Bacterial pneumonia is mainly treated with antibiotics. Most patients feel relief after about two weeks. Sometimes pneumonia can lead to serious complications, such as blood poisoning (sepsis), respiratory failure, and meningitis.

The condition may be aggravated by

Smoking, stopping prescribed medications too early, or not getting enough rest.

Diagnosis

To diagnose bacterial pneumonia, your doctor will take a medical history and examine you. You may also have x-rays of your lungs and blood tests.

Treatment

You will need to take antibiotics to treat bacterial pneumonia. Your doctor may also prescribe medicines to suppress your cough. Sometimes hospital treatment is needed.

Self-medication

You can improve your condition by following these guidelines:

– get plenty of rest

– drink plenty of fluids

– do not smoke

– avoid secondhand smoke

When to see a doctor

Contact your doctor if you have any signs of bacterial pneumonia. The symptoms of bacterial pneumonia can be different in different individuals. Common symptoms are cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, and fatigue.