Streptococcus pneumoniae is caused by the streptococcus penumoniae bacteria and it affects the upper respiratory tract among individuals. These bacteria can also infect other body parts. These bacteria can be transmitted through respiratory drops from an infected person’s mouth or nose. This condition can be treated with antibiotics. However in the past few years several penumococci have been found to be resistant to antibiotics.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is particularly observed in children along with elderly individuals and those having a compromised immune system. An individual having Streptococcus pneumoniae infection often has swelling or inflammation in the lung and this is caused by the bacteria. Such an inflammation can result in collection of fluid within the lung and this in turn can prevent the oxygen from entering into the blood stream.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is deemed to be the most common form of bacterial pneumonia. Common symptoms associated with this condition include cough along with chest congestion. An infected person may also cough up a thick kind of mucus and this mucus may have blood or may be brown, yellow or green in color. Along with cough a person suffering from this condition may also experience nausea, vomiting and fever.

With Streptococcus pneumoniae other symptoms that an infected person may experience include headache, rapid breathing rate and weakness or fatigue. In a severe Streptococcus pneumoniae infection a person may experience severe cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, high fever and cyanosis (blue lips).

Physical examination can help in identifying possible streptococcus infection. In physical examination some things that are checked include fever, dry skin and mouth and rapid breathing. The physician will also examine the chest with a stethoscope to identify any sounds emanating from the chest. Rapid pulse along with wheezing is also sign of the possible infection.

Some tests may also be conducting before diagnosis of Streptococcus pneumoniae infection is made. Complete blood count, blood culture and chest X-ray are some important tests that can help identify the infection. C-reactive protein level test can be used to make an identification of bacterial pneumonia. Pulse oximetry test may also be conducted and in this test the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream may be measured.

Bronchoscopy may also be conducted to get a sample of the tissue for examination of the bacteria. Sputum culture is ordinarily used to identify the kind of bacteria that are responsible for the infection. A chest CT scan may also be employed to identify the infection. Treatment of this infection requires the patients to take some antibiotics.

Those having Streptococcus pneumoniae also experience wheezing. This problem can be handled by using inhalers. Certain cough medications can also be prescribed along with decongestants. It is advisable for patients to take plenty of rest. The drugs prescribed as a part of treatment for this condition include Erythromycin, clarithromycin, azithromycin and amoxicillin. Other medicines like cefaclor, cefuroxime, cefprozil and doxycycline may also be prescribed. The drugs prescribed depend on factors like history of the patient, severity of the illness and age.