Bacterial pneumonia is caused by several strains of bacteria including Chlamydia trachomatis, Haemophilus influenzae, Legionella pneumophila, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae bacterium -with the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacterium usually accounting for a majority of bacterial pneumonia. Contraray to the popular belief, bacterial pneumonia is not caused by exposure to cold/winter weather or rain.

Bacterial Pneumonia Symptoms:

Depending on the pace of bacterial infection (i.e whether it is a case of acute bacterial pneumonia, or chronic bacterial pneumonia) the symptoms presented would vary to some degree. However, the symptoms that are almost always present include: breathlessness, chills, high fever, impaired mental faculties (delirium), productive cough, rust-colored/green-colored sputum, and severe chest pain.

Risk Factors for Bacterial Pneumonia:

Bacterial pneumonia is more likely to occur in people that are: Immunosuppressed (HIV infection, etc.), Above 65 years of age, and/or diagnosed with one or more chronic illnesses such as Diabetes, Sickle cell disease, Hodgkin's disease, or Cancer. Young children (2 years of age and above) are also at greater risk of developing bacterial pneumonia.

Treatment and Remedies for Bacterial Pneumonia:

Treatment for bacterial pneumonis usually includes: cough suppressants, expectorants, medications (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen) to reduce fever and chest-pain, antibiotic drug therapy, and supplimental oxygen therapy. For patients suffering from considerable breathing impairment, use of mechanical ventilators/breathing-machines may be necessary.

Is there a Vaccine for Bacterial Pneumonia:

Yes, a vaccine (Pneumovax ) is available for bacterial pneumonia, and it is usually quite effective in preventing pneumococcal pneumonia. Immunization using a vaccine such as Pneumovax is highly recommended for the elderly (over 65 years of age), as well as for those considered to be at an increased risk of developing bacterial pneumonia.

Preventing Bacterial Pneumonia:

It is possible to minimize your risk of developing pneumococcal pneumonia (bacterial pneumonia) by: Receiving proper vaccination, properly/periodically cleaning air conditioners, regularly cleaning cooling water tower assemblies, periodic cleaning of evaporators, and staying clear of respiratory secretion droplets of persons that are already suffering from bacterial pneumonia.

Additional pneumonia related information is available at this site at: Bacterial Pneumonia, Fungal Pneumonia, and Viral Pneumonia.

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