What To Do For Bacterial Pneumonia

Bacterial Pneumonia causes the lungs to become irritated, inflamed, and congested due to an infection. The illness is seen more in the cold winter months than other times during the year.

This kind of pneumonia occurs when bacteria is inhaled and then settles in the lung's. Bacterial pneumonia usually occurs after you've had a common cold. The illness usually begins with a high fever of over 102 degrees and is often accompanied with chills. Other signs and symptoms can include rapid breathing, feeling very tired, difficulties with breathing, pain with breathing, cough with bloody or yellow mucous, stomach pains as well as blue or pale in color lips and nail beds.

If you do not have any other illnesses or health problems you can be treated at home with bacterial pneumonia.

Your doctor may have prescribed antibiotics for you to take as well as cough medication and others he or she feels you require. Be certain to follow the doctors instructions fully and to follow the directions on the medication bottle labels as to how these are to be taken. 

The use of a humidifier can help keep the air moist which can be very helpful with being able to produce  and cough up mucous or sputum easier. Be sure you get plenty of rest. You should continue to rest until you are feeling much better.

If the illness becomes worse you may have to stay in the hospital so you can be monitored closely. If you have other health conditions such as heart problems, your doctor might prefer you to be in the hospital for closer observation and additional forms of treatment.

Avoid eating or drinking dairy products since these can cause mucous and sputum to become thicker.

Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water per day.

To help prevent lung infections do this lung exercise several times per day: Take 2 to 3 deep breaths and cough. Have someone make both of their hands into fists and lightly pat your back with the outside of the rolled fists. This helps to break up congestion in the lungs and helps to keep it moving so it can be coughed up easier.

You can still feel rather tired and weak even 6 weeks after you have recovered from the illness. Be carful you take it easy and modify your regular schedule during this time.

Apply a heating pade set on low heat to your chest if chest pain is a problem. Warm wash cloths can also be used for 10 minutes at a time, 3 to 4 times a day. This can help with making breathing easier.

You should stay away from anyone who has a cold or the flu since you are more susceptible to catch lung infections since you've had pneumonia. Consider getting a flu and pneumonia shot.

You should contact the doctor if you run a high fever, you still have chest pain after a couple of days, you are nauseated, vomiting or have diarrhea, or coughing up bloody and frothy mucous or sputum.

You should seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing a lot of trouble with breathing, your lips or nail beds are turning blue or become pale in color, you experience a severe headache, neck stiffness, or feel confused.