The Symptoms Causes and Types of Bacterial Pneumonia

Pneumonia can be caused by a variety of pathogens, and as its name says, bacterial pneumonia is caused by a bacteria as opposed to a virus or microorganism. Because of this, bacterial pneumonia can be successfully treated by antibiotics. It strikes people of both sexes and all ages but tends to be more severe in babies, people who are elderly and people who are already ill.

Information. A variety of bacteria can cause bacterial pneumonia. They cause an infection in the lungs that leads to inflammation as the body tries to fight it. Unlike other types of pneumonia, bacterial pneumonia is not contagious in most instances. Besides the very young and the old, people who are taking anticancer drugs, have had recent surgery, have a weakened immune system, have had a splenectomy or are in the hospital for any reason are also at higher risk than the general population.