Pneumonia, an infection of the lungs, can be caused by viruses, fungi or bacteria. Bacterial pneumonia tends to be the most dangerous type and also the most common in adults. In healthy individuals, bacterial pneumonia can usually be treated successfully and complications are rare. In the elderly and individuals with chronic illnesses or compromised immune systems, the disease may elicit more concern.
Cause
The bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae causes most instances of bacterial pneumonia, but other types of bacteria may also be to blame. Legionella pneumophila, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydophila pneumoniae may all infect the respiratory tract to cause what is sometimes called walking pneumonia. Tuberculosis, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes are a few of the other bacterial species that can lead to bacterial pneumonia.
Symptoms
Individuals who contract bacterial pneumonia often exhibit respiratory symptoms such as coughing, rapid breathing and shortness of breath. Fatigue, a high fever and shaking chills are other common symptoms. Less often, someone with bacterial pneumonia will experience headaches, confusion, a loss of appetite or chest pain when breathing or coughing.
Treatment
Bacterial pneumonia is typically treated with antibiotics. For mild cases, the antibiotics azithromycin, clarithromycin and erythromycin are commonly used, according to Medline Plus. People with other chronic illnesses that may complicate bacterial pneumonia or who have a serious case of pneumonia may need stronger antibiotics such as fluoroquinolone or a combination of two or more antibiotics at once. In most cases, treatment begins to work within 24 to 48 hours, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Because bacterial pneumonia can worsen rapidly, it is important for anyone showing symptoms to see a doctor as soon as possible to begin treatment.
Prevention
There is a vaccine available that protects against bacterial pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. The Cleveland Clinic recommends this shot for anyone who is over 65, immunocompromised, has a chronic illness or is taking medication that depresses the immune system. Parents of children under 2 may also want to consider the shot for their child, since pneumonia in young children may be particularly dangerous. The shot doesn't protect against the other bacteria that can cause pneumonia, so frequent hand washing and staying away from people who are ill with pneumonia are also recommended. Since smoking increases the risk of developing bacterial pneumonia, quitting may be a way to help prevent the disease.
Complications
If bacterial pneumonia is left untreated, major complications can occur, although they are rare. Emphysema or lung abscesses may develop. Acute respiratory failure is another possible complication resulting from bacterial pneumonia. In some patients, the infection may move into the bloodstream, causing sepsis to develop, which can lead to organ failure.
