PNEUMONIA, BACTERIAL

General Information

DEFINITION--Infection and inflammation of the lungs with bacteria. This is not usually contagious.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Lungs; bronchial tubes.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--All ages, but most severe in young children and adults over age 60.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• High fever (over 102F or 38.9C) and chills.
• Shortness of breath.
• Cough with sputum that may contain blood or blood streaks (rusty color).
• Rapid breathing.
• Chest pain that worsens with inhalations.
• Abdominal pain.
• Fatigue.
• Bluish lips and nails (rare).

CAUSES--Infection with bacteria, such as streptococci, staphylococci, hemophilus, Enterobacteriaceae, pseudomonas (also Legionella, which causes Legionnaire's disease, and Mycoplasma pneumonia; see both in Illness section).

RISK INCREASES WITH

Newborns and infants. Adults over 60. Use of anticancer drugs. Smoking. > Illness that has lowered resistance, such as: heart disease; recent surgery; cancer; tuberculosis; congestive heart failure; diabetes; alcoholism; or chronic lung disease.

• Poor general health from any cause.
• Crowded or unsanitary living conditions.
• Alcoholism.
• Hospitalization.

HOW TO PREVENT

• Obtain prompt medical treatment for respiratory infections.
• Arrange for pneumococcal and influenza immunizations of persons at risk.
• Avoid risk factors where possible.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Laboratory studies, such as a sputum culture, blood culture and blood count.
• X-rays of lungs and lung scan.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care after diagnosis.
• Doctor's treatment.
• Hospitalization for moderate to severe cases. May need breathing support, intravenous fluids, suctioning of fluids from the lung and intravenous medications.
• For mild cases, may be treated at home.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Pleurisy.
• Pleural effusion (fluid between the membranes that cover the lung).
• Spread of infection to the brain or meninges (meningitis).
• Pulmonary abscess.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Usually curable in 1 to 2 weeks with treatment, but may take longer for the very young or elderly.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• Use a cool-mist, ultrasonic humidifier to increase air moisture. Putting medicine in the humidifier probably will not help. Clean humidifier daily.
• Don't suppress the cough with medicine if the cough produces sputum or mucus. It is useful in ridding the body of lung secretions.
• Suppress the cough with medicine if it is dry, non-productive and painful.
• Use a heating pad or hot compresses to relieve chest pain.
• See Resources for Additional Information.

MEDICATION--

• Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to fight infection.
• You may use non-prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, to relieve minor discomfort.

ACTIVITY--Rest in bed until fever declines and pain and shortness of breath disappear. After treatment, resume normal activity as soon as possible.

DIET--No special diet. Increase fluid intake; drink at least 1 glass of water or other beverage every hour. Extra fluid helps thin lung secretions so they are easier to cough up.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of pneumonia.
• The following occurs during treatment: Fever. Pain not relieved by heat or prescribed medication. Increased shortness of breath. Dark or bluish fingernails, skin or toenails. Blood in the sputum. Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.