Bacterial Pneumonia

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.

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AMBULATORY CARE:

Bacterial pneumonia

is a lung infection caused by bacteria. Your lungs become inflamed and cannot work well. Bacterial pneumonia germs are easily spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or has close contact with others.

Common symptoms include the following:

• 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

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) or have someone call if:

• You are confused or cannot think clearly.

Seek care immediately if:

• You are urinating less or not at all.
• You cough up blood.
• You have more trouble breathing, or your breathing seems faster than normal.
• Your heart or pulse beats more than 100 times in 1 minute.
• Your lips or fingernails turn blue.

Call your doctor or pulmonologist if:

• Your symptoms are the same or get worse 48 hours after you start antibiotics.
• You cannot eat, you have loss of appetite or nausea, or you are vomiting.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Treatment

depends on what caused your bacterial pneumonia and how bad your symptoms are. You may need any of the following:

• Antibiotics help treat a bacterial infection.
• Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
• NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
• Airway clearance techniques are exercises to help remove mucus so you can breathe more easily. Your healthcare provider will show you how to do the exercises. These exercises may be used along with machines or devices to help decrease your symptoms.
• Respiratory support is given to help you breathe. You may receive oxygen to increase the level of oxygen in your blood. You may also need a machine to help you breathe.

Manage bacterial pneumonia:

• Rest as needed. Rest often while you recover. Slowly start to do more each day.
• Keep your head elevated. You may be able to breathe better if you keep your head and upper body elevated.
• Do not smoke. Smoking increases your risk for pneumonia. Smoking also makes it harder for you to get better after you have had pneumonia. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products. Avoid secondhand smoke.
• Drink liquids as directed. Ask how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you. Liquids help thin your mucus, which may make it easier for you to cough it up.
• Use a cool mist humidifier to increase air moisture in your home. This may make it easier for you to breathe and help decrease your cough.

Prevent bacterial pneumonia:

• Prevent the spread of germs. Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use gel hand cleanser when there is no soap and water available. Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth unless you have washed your hands first. Cover your mouth when you cough. Cough into a tissue or your shirtsleeve so you do not spread germs from your hands. If you are sick, stay away from others as much as possible.
• Ask about vaccines you may need. A pneumonia vaccine can help lower your risk for pneumonia. The vaccine may be recommended every 5 years, starting at age 65. Other vaccines help lower the risk for infections that can become serious for a person who has pneumonia. Get a flu vaccine each year as soon as recommended, usually in September or October. Get a COVID-19 vaccine and booster as directed. Your healthcare provider can tell you if you should also get other vaccines, and when to get them.
• Limit or do not drink alcohol. Large amounts can lead to pneumonia. Alcohol can also cause or worsen dehydration. Women should limit alcohol to 1 drink a day. Men should limit alcohol to 2 drinks a day. A drink of alcohol is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1½ ounces of liquor.

Follow up with your doctor or pulmonologist as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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