Bacterial pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by various types of bacteria. Streptococcus is one of the most common types of bacteria that cause pneumonia. When this bacterium infects your lungs, it makes them swell and breathing becomes difficult as a result. Although pneumonia can affect people of all ages, it is more common among elderly people from 65 years and above, asthmatic or diabetic patients, people with a weak immune system, alcoholics, and smokers.
Pneumonia often attacks with little or no warning but some of its prominent symptoms include high fever, chills, coughing out yellow, greenish or bloody mucus, poor appetite, fatigue, sharp chest pain, fast heartbeat, too much sweating, and blue-tinted lips or fingernails.
How To Treat Bacterial Pneumonia
Once you notice that you are experiencing symptoms of bacterial pneumonia, it is important that you head to the hospital straightway to receive proper check-up and treatment. The doctor might prescribe medications that will help you breathe more easily and also give you some antibiotics that will fight the particular bacterium responsible for your infection.
You could also take some over-the-counter drugs like painkillers to relieve aches, pains, and body fever. Ensure you stick to the doctor’s prescriptions and take all the antibiotics administered to you even if you start to feel better.
Depending on the severity of your case, you may be required to spend some days in the hospital for closer monitoring and additional treatments. If you are not admitted in the hospital, try to take care of yourself at home by getting enough rest.
How To Lower The Risk Of Bacterial Pneumonia
A weak immune system is a fertile ground for bacterial pneumonia. One of the best ways to lower your chances of getting infected with this illness that is often fatal is by taking steps to preserve the strength of your immune system. You can do this by washing your hands frequently, eating healthy foods and getting enough rest.
Since flu complication can also cause bacterial pneumonia, going for an annual flu shot may be a wise decision on your part. There are also some pneumococcal vaccines you can take to reduce your risk of developing bacterial pneumonia. They include PCV13 and PPSV23: a doctor is in the best position to tell you which vaccine is suitable for you, all things being considered including your age and overall health status.
You can never be too careful when it comes to your health.
