Summary about Disease
Bacterial pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by bacteria. It inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid or pus (purulent material), causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. It can range in severity from mild to life-threatening.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
Cough (may produce phlegm: green, yellow, or bloody)
Fever
Chills
Shortness of breath
Chest pain (worsened by breathing or coughing)
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Confusion or altered mental awareness (especially in older adults)
Rapid breathing and heart rate
Sweating
Causes
The most common bacterial cause is Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). Other causes include:
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Haemophilus influenzae
Legionella pneumophila
Staphylococcus aureus
Klebsiella pneumoniae These bacteria can spread through droplets in the air when someone coughs or sneezes. They can also spread through contact with contaminated surfaces.
Medicine Used
Treatment involves antibiotics to kill the bacteria. Common antibiotics include:
Penicillins (e.g., amoxicillin)
Macrolides (e.g., azithromycin, clarithromycin)
Tetracyclines (e.g., doxycycline)
Fluoroquinolones (e.g., levofloxacin, moxifloxacin)
Cephalosporins (e.g., ceftriaxone)
Vancomycin (for resistant strains) The specific antibiotic prescribed depends on the type of bacteria causing the pneumonia and the patient's overall health.
Is Communicable
Yes, bacterial pneumonia is communicable. The bacteria can spread from person to person through respiratory droplets produced by coughing or sneezing.
Precautions
Vaccination: Get vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia and influenza.
Handwashing: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing.
Cover your cough: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of the tissue properly. If a tissue isn't available, cough or sneeze into your elbow.
Avoid close contact: Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly to boost your immune system.
Don't smoke: Smoking damages your lungs and makes you more susceptible to pneumonia.
How long does an outbreak last?
There isn't a set "outbreak" duration. Pneumonia cases occur year-round. Localized outbreaks can occur, especially in crowded settings like nursing homes or hospitals. The duration of a localized outbreak depends on the implementation of infection control measures and the effectiveness of treatment.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves:
Medical history and physical exam: A doctor will ask about your symptoms and listen to your lungs.
Chest X-ray: This can help identify areas of infection in the lungs.
Blood tests: Blood tests can help identify the type of bacteria causing the infection.
Sputum test: A sample of sputum (phlegm) can be tested to identify the bacteria.
Pulse oximetry: Measures the oxygen level in the blood.
CT scan: May be done if the chest x-ray is not clear.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline can vary, but a typical progression might look like this:
Day 1-3: Initial symptoms may resemble a cold or flu, with fatigue, cough, and mild fever.
Day 3-7: Symptoms worsen, with increased cough (often producing phlegm), higher fever, chills, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
Day 7-10: If untreated, symptoms can continue to worsen, leading to severe shortness of breath, confusion, and potentially hospitalization. With appropriate antibiotic treatment, improvement should start within 24-72 hours. However, complete recovery can take several weeks. Fatigue may persist for an extended period.
Important Considerations
Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications.
The elderly, young children, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of developing severe pneumonia.
Some types of pneumonia can be prevented with vaccines.
Complete the full course of antibiotics, even if you start feeling better, to ensure that the infection is completely eradicated and to prevent antibiotic resistance.
Follow up with your doctor as recommended to monitor your progress and ensure complete recovery.