Bacterial lung infection

Bacterial Lung Infection

Bacterial lung infection, commonly known as pneumonia, may be caused by different bacteria. All the bacterial lung infections can be divided into tuberculosis, bacterial pneumonia caused by other bacteria and chronic bronchitis. This medical condition can be contagious and this actually depends on the bacterium which causes the infection. Bacterial lung infection needs to be treated properly as it may lead to serious complications especially in very young people, elderly people and immunocompromised patients. Tuberculosis is very serious and potentially disabling lung infection. It is contagious and if left untreated can result in severe complications.

Causes of Bacterial Lung Infection

General health of a patient and the ability of his/ her immune system determines whether the patient is going to develop bacterial lung infection or not. Exposure to pollutants and toxic gases as well as weakened immune system are predisposing factors for potential bacterial lung infection. Tuberculosis, for example, most commonly affects people whose immune system is not functioning properly. And, all elderly people as well as infants and small children are generally more susceptible to bacterial lung infections.

Symptoms of Bacterial Lung Infection

The infection leads to inflammation of the lung tissue. The lung tissue is swollen and airways are filled with mucous or phlegm. The symptoms basically depend on the infective agent and they range from mild to severe such as shortness of breath and intensive cough. Fever may accompany bacterial lung infection. Some patients even complain about pain in the chest.

Bacterial Lung Infection Diseases

Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This is severe bacterial lung infection and in some cases can become chronic disease. In advanced stages of tuberculosis the damage to the lungs causes difficulties with breathing. Tuberculosis is treated with a combination of antibiotics and the treatment lasts from three months up to a year depending on the severity of the infection.

Bacterial pneumonia can be caused by different bacteria. Streptococcus pneumonia is the leading infective agent which causes this disease. Bacterial pneumonia can also occur as a complication of previous viral infection of the lungs. This medical condition is particularly serious if occurs in small children.

Treatment of Bacterial Lung Infection

Bacterial lung infection is treated by standard antibiotics. The treatment also includes anti-inflammatory medications and decongestants. The patient is advised to take sufficient amount of liquid as this may help in elimination of phlegm. There is also a variety of home remedies which may be of additional help. And finally, maintenance of healthy immune system is very important in battle against this infection.