Top 11 Symptoms of Bacterial Pneumonia!
The Main Symptoms of Bacterial Pneumonia that we should not ignore. In addition, Bacterial Pneumonia is a lung infection caused by bacteria. Your lungs become inflamed and cannot function well.
Bacterial Pneumonia germs are easily spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or has close contact with others. Bacterial pneumonia can be mild or severe, and can lead to respiratory failure or death. How you will be affected depends on the potency of the bacterial agent and your age, health and immune status.
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Causes of Bacterial Pneumonia: The main cause of Bacterial Pneumonia is the infection of streptococcus pneumonia , also referred to as pneumococcus. Steptococcus pneumonia is gram-positive bacteria that is a member of the Streptococcus family. In healthy individuals, S. pneumonia normally resides in the throat and nasal cavity and does not cause illness.
However, the bacterium can spread to the lungs and cause infection in people who have suppressed or underdeveloped immune systems, such as infants, the elderly, or people who are suffering from a chronic illness, have experienced a recent cold or flu infection. , or who have recently undergone chemotherapy. S. pneumonia infection of the lungs causes fever , cough, difficult or painful breathing, and mental disorientation or delirium.
Symptoms of Bacterial Pneumonia: Symptoms can come on fast and furious, or they can creep up on you for a few days. The main symptoms of Bacterial Pneumonia are:
- High fever up to 105 F
- Coughing up greenish, yellow, or bloody mucus
- Chills that make you shiver
- Feeling like you can’t breathe, especially when you move around a lot
- feeling very tired
- low appetite
- Sharp or cramping chest pain, especially when you cough or breathe deeply
- sweating a lot
- Rapid breathing and heartbeat
- Lips and nails turning blue
- Confusion, especially if you’re older
Diagnosis of Bacterial Pneumonia: Your doctor will ask about your signs and symptoms and examine you. You may need any of the following tests:
- Pulse oximetry measures the amount of oxygen in your blood.
- Blood tests are used to check for infection.
- A chest X-ray may show signs of infection in your lungs .
- A sample of mucus is collected and tested for the germ that is causing your illness. It can help your doctor choose the best medication to treat the infection.
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Bacterial Pneumonia Treatments: Treatment depends on what caused your Bacterial Pneumonia and how bad your symptoms are. You may need any of the following:
- Antibiotics help treat a bacterial infection.
- Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor’s request. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medications you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly. Do not use more than 4 grams (4,000 milligrams) of acetaminophen in a day.
- NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, help reduce swelling, pain, and fever. This medication is available with or without a doctor’s order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your doctor if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the drug label and follow the instructions.
- Airway removal techniques are exercises to help remove mucus so you can breathe more easily. Your doctor will show you how to do the exercises. These exercises can be used along with machines or devices to help lessen your symptoms.
- Respiratory support is given to help you breathe. You may be given oxygen to increase the level of oxygen in your blood. You may also need a machine to help you breathe.