Bacterial Pneumonia

Bacterial Pneumonia is an infection of lungs by bacteria. It is an infectious disease. It spreads through contact with an infected person. It is caused when one inhale infected microorganisms. Microorganisms are tiny, little, single celled living organisms, such as bacteria, virus, fungi etc that enters our body and spreads the disease. These microorganisms enter our body through mouth, nose and eyes. If the body is not able to resist or naturally fight against these microorganisms then they spread over the lungs and the air bags of the lungs. Slowly the air bags are filled with pus or a fluid and lessen down the oxygen amount of the body making person fall sick.

Causes
Usually bacteria’s can spread through basic and common means like air, water and food. Some common causes may be listed as:-
1.The main cause of getting bacterial pneumonia is getting infected by microorganisms from a person already having pneumonia.
2.If you sometime inhale any toxic materials then it may cause injuries to your lungs and leads to a chemical pneumonia.
3.Air conditioner at your home can also cause pneumonia if it is not properly and regularly cleaned.
4.One gets pneumonia especially in cold season but can also get affected if caught in the rain.

Signs and Symptoms
The common symptom of this illness is followed by cold. It begins with sudden high fever and shivering. It also shows difficulty in breathing. It follows a cough with bloody or yellow sputum.

The followed, bit serious symptoms of Bacterial Pneumonia may comprise of tiredness, nailbeds, blue or pale lips, joint pains, headache, abdominal pain and fast breathing.

When the lungs are infected by such bacteria’s, it starts spreading into the body through blood streams. This can results in serious illness known as septic shock. It is the illness where there is a problem of low blood pressure. It leads to damage to multiple parts of the body which may include brain, heart and kidney. They can also get spreaded through Pleural cavity, the area between the chest wall and the lungs.

Treatment
If you are suspecting pneumonia then consult your doctor as early as possible. Actually, there are no home treatments for pneumonia. Although, you may have some medicines for cough and fever that can help you but it is suggested to have them after a discussion with your doctor.

1.First and most, an antibiotic is need to be taken if you are having bacterial pneumonia. These antibiotics depend upon your age, your eating and drinking habits, allergies to medicine, etc.

2.You need to remain hydrated by having plenty of non-alcoholic fluids. It is advised to drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water in a day. This helps your body fight against pneumonia and cough you easily without breathing problem. Get medical treatment if you are feeling nauseated, vomiting or diarrhea.

3.Anti-fever medicines can also make you feel better and comfortable. Consult doctor if you are suffering from a high fever.

4.Your doctor may ask you to use cough suppressant as coughing helps in clearing the infection out of your lungs. It is advised to avoid smoking as it makes the healing process for longer period. If you are coughing up bloody, foamy sputum then get a medical treatment immediately.

5.Immediately consult your doctor if you are feeling short of breath or difficulty in breathing. Also when the oxygen level from bloodstreams is lessened you must get admitted in hospital. Oxygen supply may be need from outside.

6.For easy breathing and a controlled cough never go out in very cold or very hot weather. You need to take rest at home unless you feel better and strong after the weakness due to pneumonia.

7.If you are getting chest pain then apply heating pads or warm cloths on the sore area at least 2 to 3 times a day. This makes easy breathing and relieves the pain. It is always suggested to have chest X-ray, if your doctor think so.

8.Consult medical help whenever you have problems such as rashes, swelling, itching, stomach pain, stiff neck, sever headache, etc.

Bacterial Pneumonia is a spreading disease and needs to be treated medically before it gets to your family members, friends and neighbors. Instead of waiting and searching for home remedies it is always recommendable to seek for doctors consult otherwise the results might also be fatal.