Bacterial pneumonia is a lung infection caused by a certain bacteria. The most common pneumonia-causing bacteria is Streptococcus (pneumococcus), but it can be caused by any other bacteria as well.
When a person is young and healthy, these bacteria reside in the throat, without triggering any trouble. But in case the body’s immune system weakens, these bacteria may go down to the lungs, causing inflammation. In bacterial pneumonia, the air sacks in the lungs become inflamed. They get filled up with fluid, making it difficult to breathe, consequently resulting in pneumonia.
Bacterial pneumonia may affect the entire lungs or sometimes just a single section of a lung.
The risk of bacterial pneumonia is higher among people who are as follows:
- Above the age of 65 years
- Recovering from a surgery
- Suffering from chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma or heart disease
- Smokers
- Consuming excess alcohol
- Do not eat a balanced diet
- Have viral pneumonia
Tips for preventing bacterial pneumonia
Pneumonia vaccine
The following are the two types of vaccines.
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
This protects the body against 13 kinds of bacteria and is prescribed for:
- Kids under 5 years of age
- People who are above 65 years
- People suffering from a high risk of bacterial pneumonia
Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine
This is a single-dose vaccine that guards against 23 kinds of bacteria and is prescribed for:
- People above 65 years
- Children above 2 years
- People between 19 and 64 years who are suffering from asthma or are chain smokers
However, these vaccines reduce but do not completely rule out the chances of getting pneumonia.
Apart from the vaccine, small steps in daily routine can go a long way in keeping your health at bay from pneumonia:
- Quit smoking
- Avoid exposure to ill people as much as possible
- Keep your hands clean; use an alcohol-based sanitizer
- Consume a well-balanced diet full of proteins and fiber
- Get enough rest
If you already have a cold and are worried that it may turn into pneumonia, make sure you observe these tips:
- Get adequate rest to recover from cold or any other illness
- Use a humidifier
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Take vitamin supplements to strengthen the immune system
Tips for a quick recovery from bacterial pneumonia
- In the case of bacterial pneumonia, your doctor will most likely prescribe antibiotics to fight the condition. He may also suggest some breathing treatments or oxygen, depending upon your symptoms.
- Additionally, if you are having too much cough which is making it difficult for you to rest, you can have a cough medicine. However, coughing is helpful as your body eliminates phlegm from the lungs.
- Lastly, consume a large number of fluids to improve the condition.
Bacterial pneumonia, though a common health concern, turns quite deadly if not checked on time. Diagnosing it at the right stage and following the medications is a must for a quick and proper recovery from it. However, it is advisable to consult your medical professional before starting any medication.