Pneumonia is the infection that affects the lungs and those suffering from this condition tend to experience fever, coughing along with chest pain and shortness of breath. In bacterial pneumonia cases the bacteria reproduce within the lungs and when the body tries to fight off this infection inflammation may occur. Following inflammation the elasticity of lungs reduces and this may result in shortness of breath.

Pneumonia causes interference with the ability of the body to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. Most cases of pneumonia are caused by virus or bacteria. The common bacteria responsible for bacterial pneumonia include heamophilus influenza, mycoplasma pneumonia, Chlamydia trachomatis, legionella pneumophila and streptococcus penumoniae. Inhalation of toxic materials can result in injury to the lungs and this can result in chemical pneumonia.

Improperly cleaned air conditioners can cause pneumonia and this condition can also be caused if a person breathes in the infected air drops from someone who is suffering from pneumonia. Bacterial pneumonia may often be referred to by doctors as typical or atypical pneumonia. Typical pneumonia is characterized by shaking chills and high fever. Brown or yellow sputum may be observed while coughing. Chest pain may become worse while coughing or breathing and shortness of breath may also be experienced.

In atypical pneumonia the fever is quite low and shaking chills may not be experienced. Coughing in this condition may be dry and chest pain may not be observed. Headache, joint pain and body aches may be observed and abdominal pain may also be present. Medical attention should be sought if the patient has fever along with yellow, brown or green sputum in cough.

Bacterial pneumonia can be diagnosed through some tests that include pulse oximetry. In this a probe is attached to the finger to determine the amount of oxygen in a person’s blood stream. Chest x-ray also helps pinpoint lung infection and some blood tests may also be undertaken to diagnose the condition. Arterial blood gas test may also be done wherein blood sample from the arteries is taken to determine whether the oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange is occurring well.

The doctor may also listen to your chest sounds through a stethoscope and the sputum may also be examined under the microscope. Bacterial pneumonia can be treated with some antibiotics and the choice of the medication depends on some factors like the age of the patient, whether the patient smokes or drinks, whether the patient has any chronic medical problems etc.

Drinking non-alcoholic fluids is important as this keeps the body hydrated. Some anti fever medicines like ibuprofen along with acetaminophen may prove to be effective. Cough suppressants and tobacco or cigarette smoking should be avoided. In severe cases of bacterial pneumonia the patient may need to be admitted to the hospital.