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Signs & Symptoms of Bacterial Pneumonia

Bacterial pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. It occurs more often in colder weather and can follow a cold. After diagnosis and treatment, it can take up to 6 weeks before you fully recover from the effects of bacterial pneumonia.

  1. What Is Pneumonia?

    • Bacterial pneumonia develops when the alveoli (the microscopic air sacs in the lungs) become inflamed because of bacteria, which causes them to fill with fluid. This causes increased difficulty in breathing.

    Symptoms

    • Bacterial pneumonia is often characterized by a high fever with chills. The chest may be painful to the touch, and breathing and coughing causes pain with shortness of breath. A person with bacterial pneumonia may cough up bloody or yellow sputum.

    Diagnosis

    • After examination a doctor may order a chest x-ray to determine the diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia.

    Treatment

    • A doctor will prescribe antibiotics for bacterial pneumonia. Using a humidifier to loosen chest congestion and getting plenty of rest is also recommended treatment.

    Warning

    • Sometimes milk and products containing milk may make the cough associated with pneumonia worse, so avoiding these products while recovering will help. Always make sure to finish the entire prescription of antibiotics even if you start feeling better.

    Misconceptions

    • You do not catch bacterial pneumonia from not dressing properly in cold weather. Bacterial pneumonia is caused by inhaling bacteria.

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