Your Complete Guide to Pneumonia: Bacterial Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Pneumonia is a serious lung infection that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It's a leading cause of hospitalization and death in the United States, especially among the elderly, young children, and people with weakened immune systems.

A Simple Guide To Pneumonia, (Bacterial Causes) Diagnosis, Treatment And Related Conditions (A Simple Guide to Medical Conditions)

by Kenneth Kee

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	451 KB
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Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Bacterial Pneumonia

Bacterial pneumonia is the most common type of pneumonia. It's caused by bacteria that enter the lungs through the nose or mouth. The most common bacteria that cause pneumonia are:

• Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Haemophilus influenzae
• Moraxella catarrhalis
• Klebsiella pneumoniae
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Bacterial pneumonia can range in severity from mild to life-threatening. Symptoms can include:

• Cough
• Fever
• Chills
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Confusion (especially in the elderly)

Diagnosis

Pneumonia is diagnosed based on a physical exam, chest X-ray, and sputum culture. A sputum culture is a test that grows bacteria from a sample of mucus coughed up from the lungs.

Treatment

Bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotics. The type of antibiotic used will depend on the bacteria that are causing the infection. Antibiotics are usually taken orally, but in severe cases, they may be given intravenously (through a vein).

In addition to antibiotics, other treatments for pneumonia may include:

• Rest
• Plenty of fluids
• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Cough suppressants
• Oxygen therapy

Prevention

There are a number of things you can do to prevent pneumonia, including:

• Get vaccinated against pneumonia. There are two vaccines available to prevent pneumonia: the pneumococcal vaccine and the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine. Both vaccines are recommended for children and adults.
• Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently, especially after coughing or sneezing. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• Quit smoking.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Get enough sleep.

Pneumonia is a serious infection that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Bacterial pneumonia is the most common type of pneumonia. It's treated with antibiotics and other supportive care measures. There are a number of things you can do to prevent pneumonia, including getting vaccinated, practicing good hygiene, and avoiding contact with people who are sick.

A Simple Guide To Pneumonia, (Bacterial Causes) Diagnosis, Treatment And Related Conditions (A Simple Guide to Medical Conditions)

by Kenneth Kee

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	451 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	188 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE