Bacterial Pneumonia Recovery

Infection or inflammation in the lungs causes pneumonia. The infection can be caused due to bacteria, viruses, and other parasites. Bacterial pneumonia is the most common type of pneumonia. Bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, etc., are the causes of bacterial pneumonia.

As aforementioned, the recovery time depends on several factors such as the person's age, fitness, immunity, etc. The cause and severity of pneumonia also affects the recovery period. With an early treatment, in case of young adults, the symptoms of bacterial pneumonia start improving in approximately 1-2 days.

With a stronger immunity and proper treatment, the person can recover completely and gain back his strength within 1-2 weeks (approximately).

On the other hand, if the symptoms are not identified at the early stage, or proper treatment is not undertaken, or the person has a weak immune system (as in case of children and older people), then the time for recovery may be approximately 2-3 weeks or more.

In case the person is already suffering from some other illness and contracts pneumonia, then the recovery may even take an entire month.

As aforementioned, bacterial pneumonia is caused due to different types of bacteria. Chronic smokers, or people having a weak immune system, or those suffering from lung diseases like asthma are at a higher risk of suffering from this disease.

Symptoms of bacterial pneumonia include:

• Cough
• Fever
• Difficulty in breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Chills
• Chest pain

The cough can be dry or mucus-producing (with white or yellow mucus). Secondly, along with breathing difficulties, noisy breathing or wheezing may also be experienced.

Note that bacterial pneumonia is contagious. Therefore, it is essential to get it treated as early as possible in order to prevent its transmission. The incubation period for bacterial pneumonia is estimated around 1-3 days.

In case you suffer from any of the aforementioned symptoms, you should consult the doctor immediately.

Antibiotics are prescribed to treat bacterial pneumonia. Antibiotics should be taken for the prescribed period. Although the symptoms of bacterial pneumonia begin to alleviate on taking antibiotics, it is recommended to complete the entire course.

The doctor will also prescribe medication to treat fever and other symptoms. In case the person suffers from severe breathing difficulties, he will be hospitalized. Most of the treatment methods are effective in treating bacterial pneumonia completely.

• You should inform the doctor about other medication that you are taking before he/she prescribes you antibiotics. You also need to inform if you are allergic to any specific antibiotic.
• It is essential to take as much rest as possible and keep away from physically straining activities for a quicker recovery.

• You should abstain from smoking and alcohol abuse as it can worsen the symptoms of pneumonia.
• As mentioned above, it is essential to follow the complete course of antibiotics for a faster and effective recovery.
• You need to take proper rest in clean and hygienic conditions.

• Lastly, drinking plenty of fluids and having a balanced diet is a must during and after recovering from this disease.

Bacterial pneumonia can be treated effectively if the symptoms are identified and treated at an early stage. Vaccinations against certain types of pneumonia are available. You can consult your doctor for the same.

Lastly, remember that although the symptoms of pneumonia subside fairly quickly, you may require longer time to gain back your strength fully.

Disclaimer: This information is not to be used as a substitute for medical advice. Consulting a doctor is essential for proper treatment and quick recovery.