Symptoms and Signs of Bacterial Pneumonia

Doctor's Notes on Bacterial Pneumonia

Bacterial pneumonia is inflammation of the lung tissue caused by a bacterial infection. A number of different kinds of bacteria can cause pneumonia. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia. Other bacteria that can cause pneumonia include Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila, and Chlamydia pneumoniae. Pneumonia may affect one or both lungs and can involve any part of the lung or the entire lung.

Pneumonia often begins with symptoms of an upper respiratory infection, like sore throat and nasal congestion or runny nose. Associated symptoms may include fever, chills, cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath. The cough usually produces thick sputum. Other possible symptoms of pneumonia are muscle aches, headache, weakness, and fatigue.