Pneumonia: Is It Bacterial or Viral

[susan]

	Bacterial Pneumonia	Viral Pneumonia
What is it?	Bacterial pneumonia is caused by bacteria germs. The streptococcus pneumoniae germ is the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia.	Viral pneumonia is caused by virus germs. About half of all people with pneumonia have viral pneumonia. Viral pneumonia is usually less serious than bacterial pneumonia.
What are the signs and symptoms?	Symptoms of bacterial pneumonia can develop gradually or suddenly. Symptoms include: High fever (up to 105 degrees) Tiredness (less energy) Rapid breathing Chills Cough with mucus (might be greenish or have blood) Chest pain, especially with coughing or deep breathing Shortness of breath Loss of appetite	Symptoms usually develop over a period of several days. Early symptoms are similar to flu symptoms, which include: Fever Dry cough Headache Sore throat Loss of appetite Muscle pain Additional symptoms about a day later: High fever Cough with mucus Shortness of breath
What is the treatment?	Bacterial pneumonia is usually treated with antibiotics. In some cases, the person may stay in the hospital for treatment. Hospital treatments may include: Oxygen Fluids and medicines given through an IV Breathing treatments and exercises to help loosen mucus Medicines for pain and fever may also be helpful. With treatment, bacterial pneumonia usually improves within 24 to 48 hours.	Antibiotics are not used to fight viruses, but may be given to fight a bacterial infection that is also present. Hospital stays for viral pneumonia are less common than for bacterial pneumonia. Medicines for pain and fever may also be helpful. Other medicines and therapies such as breathing treatments and exercises to loosen mucus may be prescribed by your doctor. Symptoms usually begin to improve within a few days.

my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases_conditions/hic_Pneumonia

[ken]

Thank you for the post Susan.





Ken beating-heart

[mary57]

A very good description, thank you Susan.