Viral vs Bacterial Pneumonia: Symptoms, Treatment & Diagnosis
Treatment for Viral Pneumonia •
Antiviral Medication: Doctors may prescribe antiviral medicines if the infection is caused by the flu virus(Influenza). Starting these early can shorten the duration of illness .
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Antipyretics: Medicines like paracetamol or ibuprofen help bring down fever and relieve body aches. They don’t cure the infection but make you more comfortable.
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Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids (water, soups, ORS, herbal teas) helps prevent dehydration, loosens mucus, and supports your immune system in fighting the infection
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Rest: Proper sleep and rest allow your body to heal properly. Overexertion can slow recovery and worsen symptoms.
Bacterial Pneumonia It is caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus (primarily), Mycoplasma, and Haemophilus, which lead to lung inflammation. Bac terial pneumonia may occur independently or as a complication after viral infections such as influenza.
Common Symptoms of Bacterial Pneumonia •
High fever: This may be the body's normal response to fight a bacterial infection, and the fever may spike quickly and be hard to control .
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Weakness and Fatigue: The body uses a lot of energy fighting infection, which can lead to fatigue, body aches, and difficulty performing normal act ivities.
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Chills and sweating: Episodes of chills and heavy sweating happen as the body tries to regulate temperature during the infection.
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Sharp chest pain: Because the lining of the lungs becomes inflamed, making deep breaths or coughing painful.
Treatment For Bacterial Pneumonia •
Antibiotics: Based on suspected organisms, doctors prescribe antibiotics that target the most likely bacteria, adjusting them later if tests identify the exact cause.
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IV antibiotics: In Severe cases, intravenous antibiotics may be needed for faster and stronger action.
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Oxygen therapy: When oxygen levels drop abnormally, it can help maintain proper breathing and organ function.
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Specialised care: Hospitalization is necessary for serious symptoms or complications, where patients can receive close monitoring and advanced treatment.
What are the risk factors for pneumonia? •
Older Adults (65+ years)
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Young children (below 5)
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Chronic Medical Conditions
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Cancer Treatment
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Bad Lifestyle Habits
• Complications with Pneumonia •
Both viral and bacterial pneumonia can severely inflame the lungs, leading to respiratory failure making it difficult for oxygen to pass into the bloodstream.
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Bacterial pneumonia can spread infection into the bloodstream, leading to sepsis a life-threatening body-wide inflammatory response that can damage organs.
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Bacteremia can occur when bacteria from the lungs enter the blood. It can spread infection to other organs.
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Certain bacteria can cause pus formation in lung tissue results in lung abscesses.
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Reference Link: https://www.maxathome.in/blogs/viral-vs-bacterial-pneumonia-symptoms-treatment-and-diagnosis
