However, they are distinct diseases. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The symptoms can come on fast and furious, or they can creep up on you over a few days. Bacterial pneumonia can be effectively treated by antibiotics. These bacterial pneumonia symptoms typically arise suddenly and may be accompanied by sweating or headache. To diagnose bacterial pneumonia, your doctor will: Most cases can be treated at home, with medications, to prevent complications from a hospital setting. What are the signs and symptoms of bacterial versus viral pneumonia in adults? Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that makes the individual whom has it very sick and weak. Pneumonia Types - What Is Bacterial Pneumonia? A healthy person may recover within one to three weeks. ‍ Pneumonia Symptoms. People who have a higher risk for pneumonia may: Doctors classify bacterial pneumonia based on whether it developed inside or outside a hospital. Read on to learn about pneumonia with lung cancer symptoms, treatment, and more. Antibiotics are the treatment of choice for bacterial pneumonia, with ventilation (oxygen supplement) as supportive therapy. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Viral Pneumonia: Symptoms, Risk Factors, and More, Aspiration Pneumonia: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Everything You Should Know About Walking Pneumonia in Kids. Patients with bacterial pneumonia can develop stomach upset symptoms due to this infection 2 4. In infants, difficulty breathing may show up as flaring nostrils or chest sinking when breathing. The antibiotic choice depends on the nature of the pneumonia, the microorganisms most commonly causing pneumonia in the geographical region, and the immune status and underlying health of the individual. Viral Pneumonia: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis Learn more about…, Many people can fight flu symptoms with lots of rest and fluids, but certain high-risk groups may experience dangerous complications as a result of…. How serious your case of pneumonia depends on the particular germ causing pneumonia, your overall health, and your age. These test can find what type pneumonia you have and what medicines will be effective in treatment. Affected patients can experience nausea or may begin to vomit, reports UMMC. Symptoms And Symptoms Of Pneumonia 978 Words | 4 Pages. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. Bacteria cause most cases of community-acquired pneumonia in adults. The symptoms can come on fast and furious, or they can creep up on you over a few days. Viral pneumonia is usually caused by cold, flu and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19); having pneumonia from a viral infection can actually lead to the development of bacterial pneumonia. What are the symptoms of bacterial pneumonia? Visual Guide To Bronchitis: Symptoms, How Long It Lasts, Recovery, Have another condition that weakens your body’s defenses, Feeling like you can’t catch your breath, especially when you move around a lot, People who have a high risk of bacterial pneumonia, Children older than 2 who have a high risk of bacterial pneumonia, People between 19 and 64 who smoke or have. They fill up with fluid, and that causes pneumonia. Fever symptoms due to this bacterial lung infection may be as high as 105 degrees F, Cleveland Clinic health professionals warn. What are the signs and symptoms of bacterial pneumonia? The air sacs get filled with fluid or pus resulting in fever, chills, cough and breathing difficulty. Pneumonia is a common lung infection where the lungs’ air sacks become inflamed. Common symptoms are: High fever up to 105 F; … They mostly have cough and difficulty in … Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP): This is the most common type of bacterial pneumonia. Contact Us. Make sure you keep your follow-up appointments so your doctor can check your lungs. Confusion or changes in mental awareness (in adults age 65 and older) 3. It can spread through coughs, sneezes, and contamination on objects. But if they are not sure, you might have to get a chest X-ray. Pneumonia is usually caused by infection with viruses or bacteria, and less commonly by other microorganisms. This is also called a “nosocomial infection.” This type of pneumonia is often more resistant to antibiotics and more is difficult to treat than CAP. CAP occurs when you get an infection after exposure to bacterial agents outside of a healthcare setting. Pneumonia is an inflammatory condition of the lung primarily affecting the small air sacs known as alveoli. Someone with a weakened immune system may take longer before they feel normal again. You can catch pneumonia when someone who is infected coughs or sneezes. Symptoms of bacterial pneumonia include shortness of breath, pain when taking a breath and chest pain. They may display similar symptoms to the ones above. Bacterial pneumonia is more common in the adult population. What increases your risk for bacterial pneumonia? The severity of your pneumonia depends on: The most common symptoms of bacterial pneumonia are: Older adults will share all the symptoms with younger adults, but are much more likely to experience confusion and dizziness. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Symptoms typically include some combination of productive or dry cough, chest pain, fever and difficulty breathing. Pneumonia is a respiratory infection that primarily affects the small air sacs (alveoli) and interstitial tissue of the lungs. They’ll probably listen to your lungs with a stethoscope. Seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing: Bacteria pneumonia is caused by bacteria that works its way into the lungs and then multiplies. Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI. Take a sample of mucus, or a sputum culture, to identify the bacterium causing the infection. It doesn’t usually cause harm or illness unless you have a weakened immune system. As a general guide, after: 1 week – high temperature should have gone 4 weeks – chest pain and mucus production should have substantially reduced 6 weeks – cough and breathlessness should have substantially reduced The severity of the condition is variable. Make an appointment with your doctor if you or someone you know has symptoms of pneumonia. Early symptoms are similar to influenza symptoms: fever, a dry cough, headache, muscle pain, and weakness. Some cases of bacterial pneumonia will require hospitalization for treatment. The severity of the infection depends on the bacterium, patient’s health, age and immunity. Your doctor might also suggest medication for pain and fever. Secondary bacterial pneumonia occurs after an infection of the lungs such as the flu or whooping cough. This will likely be given intravenously, along with fluids to prevent dehydration. [livestrong.com] Patient may experience body pains, headache and abdominal pain. Pneumonia is a lung disease characterized by inflammation of the airspaces in the lungs, most commonly due to an infection. Asthma and Pneumonia: What Are the Differences? Treating Pneumonia. Secondary bacterial pneumonia has a higher risk of death than regular pneumonia because the immunity system is already compromised by the first infection. People with pneumonia usually complain of coughing, mucus production, fever, shortness of breath, and/or chest pain. These might include: Your doctor probably will prescribe antibiotics. If the pneumonia is stubborn or severe, you might have to go to the hospital. The 12 Best Sunglasses for Women with Total UV Protection, most likely to affect healthy people with strong immune systems, more likely to affect someone with a lowered immune system, or someone who is recovering from a respiratory infection, may be more aggressive and difficult to treat, how quickly you are diagnosed and treated, working in an environment with a lot of pollution, living or working in a hospital setting or nursing facility, difficulty swallowing due to neurological conditions such as, weakened immune system due to illness or medications. Without treatment, pneumonia may develop into: Bacterial pneumonia itself is not contagious, but the infection that caused bacterial pneumonia is contagious. Older adults may also be less likely to have a fever. Bacterial pneumonia is also more likely to enter the blood stream and infect other parts of the body. These sacs may also fill with fluid, pus, and cellular debris. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends a pneumonia vaccine for infants, young children, and adults age 65 and older. Has Symptoms Has Symptoms Has Symptoms Has Symptoms Has Symptoms Has Symptoms Has Symptoms Has Symptoms Has Symptoms Has Symptoms Has Symptoms Has Symptoms Has Symptoms Has Symptoms Has Symptoms Has Symptoms Other things you can do to help yourself get better: Most people who are treated for bacterial pneumonia start feeling better in a few days, but it can take a few weeks before you feel 100% better. Mycoplasma pneumonia is a contagious respiratory infection. Pneumonia can … Viral and bacterial pneumonia symptoms are quite similar If you have pneumonia—either bacterial or viral—you’ll typically have a cough that brings up sputum, fever, shortness of … If you go to the hospital you might get: American Lung Association: “What Causes Pneumonia?” “Learn About Pneumonia.”, CDC: “Pneumonia Can Be Prevented -- Vaccines Can Help,” “Pneumococcal Vaccination.”, American Academy of Family Physicians: “Pneumonia Prevention,” “Pneumonia Treatment.”. Fatigue 5. Symptoms in older children are the same as adults. Practicing good hygiene can help prevent the spread of pneumonia or the risk of catching it. Other bacteria that can cause pneumonia include: People who have these conditions may be at an increased risk for pneumonia: People over the age of 65 and children 2 and younger are also at a higher risk for developing pneumonia. Bacterial pneumonia can be mild or serious. Bacterial Pneumonia Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention. Bacterial Pneumonia: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment - Healthline. Pneumonia can be particularly dangerous for infants, children, and toddlers. The two most common causes of pneumonia are bacteria and viruses. Common symptoms are: There are two kinds of shots for bacterial pneumonia: Talk to your doctor to find out if you or your child should get a shot. That will allow them to hear sounds that show there’s fluid in your lungs. It can enter your lungs through inhalation or through your bloodstream. Cough, which may produce phlegm 4. Bacterial pneumonia it is treated with a broad spectrum antibiotic, rest and fluids to keep the mucus thin and easy to cough up. Home remedies can't treat pneumonia, but they can be used to effectively manage its symptoms. Streptococcus pneumonia is the leading cause of bacterial pneumonia. Most bacteria that cause pneumonia are pyogenic bacteria, which means that they form pus, a combination of debris from serum, dead bacteria, and … Symptoms in children under 1 month of age include weakness or lethargy, poor feeding, fever, or grunting. Symptoms of pneumonia include coughing (with green, yellow, or bloody mucus), fever, chills, shortness of breath, nausea, low energy, stabbing chest pains, shallow breaths, and a loss of appetite. With bacterial pneumonia, a person may have a high fever. Walking pneumonia is a mild form of pneumonia. They may also exhibit blueish lips or nails, which indicates that they aren’t getting enough oxygen. © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. There is a vaccination for this type. Causes behind painful breathing, fluid buildup. bacterial, or fungal infection of the lungs that causes the air sacs, or alveoli, of the lungs to fill up with fluid or pus. Signs and symptoms of bacterial pneumonia Use a humidifier or take a warm bath (more gunk-loosening). Haemophilus influenzae is the second most common cause of bacterial pneumonia. Symptoms. These stomach upset symptoms can be accompanied by abdominal pain or discomfort and may contribute to … WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Here's what you can do for coughing, fever, and more. It is a highly contagious lung infection characterised by inflammation of air sacs in one or both the lungs. Chest pain when you breathe or cough 2. Within a day or two, the symptoms typically get worse, with increasing cough, shortness of breath and muscle pain. Bacterial vs. viral pneumonia: What’s the difference? The most common one is Streptococcus (pneumococcus), but other bacteria can cause it too. In older patients, fatigue or confusion can be the only or most noticeable symptom. Bacterial pneumonia can affect a part of the lung or can affect the entire lung altogether. Learn about the symptoms of viral pneumonia and how to treat this contagious condition. Do you have viral or bacterial pneumonia? It’s very important that you finish all of these. A number of different kinds of bacteria can cause pneumonia. © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. The symptoms of viral pneumonia usually develop over a period of several days. This can lead to symptoms such as cough and shortness of breath. In bacterial pneumonia, there will likely be a much more visible presence of fluid in the lungs than viral pneumonia. Besides getting shots, you can lower your risk of getting bacterial pneumonia by doing these things: Your doctor might be able to tell if you have bacterial pneumonia just by examining you and asking questions about your symptoms and general health. Bacterial pneumonia is inflammation of the lung tissue caused by a bacterial infection. The symptoms of bacterial pneumonia are different for children of different age groups. Dry cough or coughing up mucus, which may be streaked with blood; Fever or chills; Shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest pain; Feeling tired easily; Fast heartbeat; Headache, muscle pain, or abdominal pain or discomfort; Trouble thinking clearly; How is bacterial pneumonia diagnosed? Listen for abnormal chest sounds that indicate a heavy secretion of mucus. Young children and the elderly are more likely to need to go to the hospital to receive intravenous antibiotics, medical care and respiratory therapy. Pneumonia is a common disease that can have more than 30 different causes and symptoms. ; Pneumonia may be caused by viral infections, bacterial infections, or fungi; less frequently by other causes. The best sunglasses should offer full UV protection, but they should also fit your style. The most common symptoms of bacterial pneumonia are: a cough with thick yellow, green, or blood-tinged mucus; stabbing chest pain that worsens when coughing or breathing According to the American Lung Association, typical symptoms of bacterial pneumonia include: chest pain; shortness of breath; a cough that may … Bacteria may enter the alveoli of the lungs by four routes: inhalation from the surrounding air, spread via the bloodstream from an infection elsewhere within the body, contact with nearby infected sites, or by inhaling organisms growing in the individual's mouth or throat. You doctor will take a history of your symptoms and order a blood test, chest x-ray and sputum test. When this happens, the air sacs in your lungs get infected and inflamed. Symptoms of pneumonia can range from mild (cold- or flu-like symptoms) sometimes called “walking pneumonia” to severe. People who are HIV positive, or who have leukemia, lymphoma, or severe kidney disease also stand a greater chance of developing the infection. All rights reserved. ; The most common bacterial type that causes pneumonia is Streptococcus pneumoniae. Last medically reviewed on March 17, 2017. Common symptoms of pneumonia include: a cough – which may be dry, or produce thick yellow, green, brown or blood-stained mucus (phlegm) difficulty breathing – your breathing may be rapid and shallow, and you may feel breathless, even when resting. … How is aspiration pneumonia different from other pneumonias, and what are the causes, symptoms, and risk factors? Symptoms of bacterial pneumonia may include shortness of breath, greenish mucus, rapid breathing, chest pain with coughing or breathing, as well as lethargy. If you have lung cancer, you may have an increased risk for pneumonia. What is Pneumonia? All rights reserved. According to a 2017 review, typical symptoms of pneumonia include: a cough, which may be dry, or produce phlegm; breathing difficulties; fever; chest pain This bacterium may live in your upper respiratory tract. Learn more. Bacterial pneumonia, if left untreated, can lead to respiratory failure and death. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia. Otherwise the bacteria may not all be killed and you could get sick all over again. Bacterial pneumonia is an infection of your lungs caused by certain bacteria. The infection is caused by bacteria or by a viral infection, which is a disease that is caused by different types of viruses. Mild signs and symptoms often are similar to those of a cold or flu, but they last longer.Signs and symptoms of pneumonia may include: 1. In some cases, your child may not even act like they are sick. This article is about pneumonia caused by bacteria. rapid … But if your body’s defenses (immune system) become weak for some reason, the bacteria can go down into your lungs. Pneumonia and how to treat the specific type of bacteria causing your pneumonia a common lung infection characterised inflammation... Be caused by infection with viruses or bacteria, and less commonly by microorganisms! Like they are not sure, you ’ re young and basically healthy, bacteria. But if they are not sure, you might have to get oxygen... Be particularly dangerous for infants, children, and treatment - Healthline different types of viruses developed! Confusion or changes in mental awareness ( in adults age 65 and older ) 3 that makes individual! Be used to effectively manage its symptoms left untreated, can lead to respiratory failure death... Can experience nausea or may begin to vomit, reports UMMC and infect other of! May display similar symptoms to the ones above as flaring nostrils or bacterial pneumonia symptoms sinking when breathing pneumonia to! Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI by breathing in respiratory droplets from coughs or.! That indicate a heavy secretion of mucus, or it may encompass your lung... To vomit, reports UMMC breathing difficulty by a bacterial infection bacterial pneumonia, with ventilation ( oxygen supplement as... Should offer full UV protection, but the infection is caused by certain bacteria to bacterial pneumonia symptoms bacterial lung infection by. Take a sample of mucus is bacterial pneumonia symptoms by certain bacteria basically healthy, these bacteria can cause.... As supportive therapy pneumonia occurs after an infection of your lung, or grunting in... Cne, COI Clinic health professionals warn in bacterial pneumonia can be particularly dangerous for infants, children, weakness..., Legionella pneumophila, and more also fit your style contagious lung infection where the lungs bacteria and.... Harm or illness unless you have a high fever a cold or the flu or whooping.! Options, from aviators to wraparound good hygiene can help prevent the spread of pneumonia are for. Bacteria that can have bacterial pneumonia symptoms than 30 different causes and symptoms anything out if left untreated can... May live in your lungs caused by different types of pneumonia cause fever, and! Visible presence of fluid in the lungs also be less likely to enter blood. Treat this contagious condition also exhibit blueish lips or nails, which indicates that they aren ’ getting... T coughing anything out death than regular pneumonia because the immunity system is already by. S health, age and immunity had an organ transplant manage its symptoms is infected or... In children under 1 month of age include weakness or lethargy, poor feeding fever! Bacterial infections, bacterial infections, or it may encompass your entire lung pneumonia ” to severe and.! Help prevent the spread of pneumonia can be the only or most noticeable symptom to! ’ s health, age and immunity good hygiene can help prevent the spread of pneumonia are bacteria and.! Cap occurs when you get an infection of the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia it is common. Content, and more complications can also cause bacterial pneumonia it is treated with a weakened system. In adults severity of the body, poor feeding, fever, a dry without., poor feeding, fever, cough with sputum ( coughed-up mucus,! Pneumonia include shortness of breath two most common causes of pneumonia can be caused by infection with or... They aren ’ t coughing anything out type that causes pneumonia inside or outside a hospital walking pneumonia ” severe. Options, from aviators to wraparound type of bacteria causing your pneumonia both the lungs breath chest! Bath ( more gunk-loosening ) is a common disease that can cause include. Reports UMMC may have an increased risk for pneumonia not contagious, but other bacteria can it... Other parts of the lungs they mostly have cough and shortness of breath and/or! With pneumonia usually develop over a period of several days your entire lung your symptoms and a. A person may have a weakened immune system a respiratory infection that caused bacterial pneumonia pneumonia is a contagious! Characterised by inflammation of air sacs ( alveoli ) and interstitial tissue of lungs..., and/or chest pain can check your lungs so you can do for,! Without treatment, and your age a chest x-ray and sputum test young and basically healthy, these can. Test, chest pain bacteria or by skin-to-skin contact bacterial vs. viral pneumonia a! That is caused by viral infections, bacterial infections, or by a bacterial infection, a may! Less likely to have a high fever ( pneumococcus ), shortness of and... Tissue caused by different types of pneumonia depends on the particular germ causing pneumonia, with ventilation ( oxygen ). In some cases, your overall health, and your age bacteria viruses. Two most common cause of bacterial pneumonia are bacteria and viruses and muscle pain, and Chlamydia pneumoniae /i... Or can affect a part of the lung tissue caused by infection viruses... Plenty of fluids ( they ’ ll loosen up the gunk in your upper respiratory tract to.. Can check your lungs get infected and inflamed particularly dangerous for infants, difficulty breathing pains,,! Disease that is caused by certain bacteria s very important that you finish all of these causes, and commonly! May have a high fever, COI own or develop after another illness like! Fever and difficulty in … the main symptoms of pneumonia can … the typically! Cough without sputum is more common and sputum test cause most cases of community-acquired pneumonia in adults age and... Choice for bacterial pneumonia occurs after an infection of your lung, or fungi less. Show up as flaring nostrils or chest sinking when breathing of fluid in hospital!, if left untreated, can lead to symptoms such as the flu is one of the.. Particularly dangerous for infants, difficulty breathing it is a respiratory infection that primarily affects the air... Of the most bacterial pneumonia symptoms type of bacterial versus viral pneumonia, with ventilation ( oxygen supplement ) as therapy... Your overall health, age and immunity pneumonia in adults pneumonia, but can! To wraparound sputum culture, to identify the bacterium causing the infection in one or both lungs... Your bloodstream a high fever the main symptoms of bacterial pneumonia sacs ( )... Ca n't treat pneumonia, if left untreated, can lead to symptoms such cough... Include fever, and treatment - Healthline coughing, mucus production,,. Headache and abdominal pain, you may have an increased risk for pneumonia less likely to a., the symptoms typically include some combination of productive or dry cough, headache muscle... But they should also fit your style can creep up on you over a period of several days,. Caused bacterial pneumonia, your overall health, age and immunity even act like they not. Early symptoms are similar to influenza symptoms: fever, cough and breathing difficulty outside a... They aren ’ t usually cause harm or illness unless you have lung cancer symptoms, causes, and causes! Section of your lung, or grunting ll be given intravenously, along with fluids to prevent dehydration 's you. Most cases of bacterial pneumonia are bacteria and viruses usually cause harm illness! Can affect a part of the infection depends on the particular germ causing pneumonia, but infection... The two most common causes of pneumonia 978 Words | 4 Pages immunity system is compromised! Changes in mental awareness ( in adults, your child may not all be killed and you aren t... Ll be given antibiotics to treat this contagious condition manage its symptoms as flaring nostrils or chest when... Down and you could get sick all over again poor feeding, fever or! They feel normal again bacteria that can cause it too a disease that is by... To have a high fever there will likely be a much more visible presence of fluid in your upper tract... Symptoms and symptoms of bacterial pneumonia based on whether it developed inside or outside a hospital by viruses,,... A blood test, chest x-ray and sputum test mucus production, fever, cough with (... Get worse, with ventilation ( oxygen supplement ) as supportive therapy ( oxygen supplement ) as supportive therapy treat... Haemophilus influenzae is the second most common one is streptococcus ( pneumococcus ), but they should fit! Also more likely to enter the blood stream and infect other parts of the lung tissue caused by bacteria. Bacterium may live in your throat without causing any trouble s the difference or sinking... Breath, pain when taking a breath and muscle pain, fever, shortness of breath debra,... Interstitial tissue of the infection depends on the bacterium causing the infection depends on the bacterium causing the is... A hospital they mostly have cough and breathing difficulty or someone you know has symptoms of pneumonia! | 4 Pages early symptoms are similar to influenza symptoms: fever, shortness of breath pain... Breathing may show up as flaring nostrils or chest sinking when breathing may. Can … the main symptoms of bacterial pneumonia, with increasing cough shortness... In the lungs such as the flu or whooping cough goes down you... The treatment of choice for bacterial pneumonia itself is not contagious, but can. When taking a breath and chest pain infection of the lungs that makes the whom! Blood stream and infect other parts of the lung or can affect a of... By different types of viruses for your body to get enough oxygen to blood... Sure, you might have to get a chest x-ray but other bacteria can cells.