Bacterial Pneumonia - What Causes It?

Doctors have divided bacterial pneumonia into two categories; one, community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and two, Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP). CAP affects after the patient has developed an infection due to exposure to agents of bacteria found outside the territory of a medical care facility. HAP affects patients after they have been exposed to bacterial germs within a health care setting for a few days. This kind of infection is also known by the term nosocomial infection . This bacterial infection is also more difficult in terms of treatment and is more resistant to antibiotic medications.

The symptoms of bacterial pneumonia are exactly the same for both adults as well as children - Shortness of breath, Fever, Chills. However, when children are affected by bacterial pneumonia they end up crying as compared to adults. There is a marked difference in the treatment pattern between those affected by viral infection and those by bacterial pneumonia. Physical examination by a doctor is necessary in order to determine the right course of treatment.

Respiratory failure occurs as a result of low oxygen development within the lungs or when there is excess of carbon dioxide in the lungs. Respiratory failure takes place when there is improper breathing and ultimately in the long run it can put a stop to breathing altogether.

It has been found that the major reason of bacterial pneumonia is streptococcus pneumonia. It makes way into the lungs through the bodily process of inhalation or via the bloodstream. Vaccination exists for bacterial infection caused by streptococcus pneumonia.