How To Differentiate Between Viral and Bacterial Causes of Pneumonia



Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can be caused by either a virus or bacteria. While the symptoms of both types are similar, there are certain ways to differentiate between viral and bacterial causes of pneumonia.

Viral pneumonia is usually less severe than bacterial pneumonia and often resolves on its own without treatment. Symptoms of viral pneumonia include fever, dry cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, loss of appetite and muscle aches. The fever associated with viral pneumonia is usually milder than with bacterial pneumonia and may last for a few days to a week. Coughing up mucus or phlegm can occur but it is usually clear in color rather than green or yellow like with bacterial infections.

Bacterial pneumonia tends to be more severe than viral cases and requires medical treatment with antibiotics. Symptoms include high fever (over 101°F), shaking chills, chest pain when breathing or coughing, shortness of breath, rapid breathing rate (over 20 breaths per minute in adults), excessive sweating and clammy skin as well as coughing up green or yellow mucus from the lungs. Bacterial infections can also cause confusion in older adults due to decreased oxygen levels in the blood which can lead to confusion or disorientation.

To differentiate between viral and bacterial causes of pneumonia it is important to be aware of the symptoms described above as well as any other accompanying symptoms that could help determine what type it is such as location (lungs vs sinuses) or color/consistency of mucus/phlegm coughed up from the lungs. It’s also important to note if any underlying health conditions such as asthma may make you more susceptible to one type over another so that you can take extra precautions if necessary. A doctor should always be consulted for diagnosis so they can prescribe appropriate treatment for whatever type you have contracted whether it’s viral or bacterial in nature.

Tags:

Pneumonia, Virus, Bacteria, Symptoms, Fever, Dry Cough, Chest Pain, Shortness of Breath, Fatigue, Loss of Appetite, Muscle Aches, Mucus/Phlegm Color/Consistency, Confusion in Older Adults, Underlying Health Conditions,

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