pneumococcal pneumonia: symptoms, risk factors and prevention

June 20, 2022

Your immune system weakens with age, putting you at greater risk for pneumococcal pneumonia. About 900,000 Americans are hospitalized with pneumococcal pneumonia every year, so protecting yourself from infection is important.

What is Pneumococcal Pneumonia?

It’s a lung infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, a bacterium found in your upper respiratory tract. You can contract pneumococcal pneumonia by encountering infected respiratory secretions like mucus and saliva.

It’s usually spread through coughing or close contact with a sick individual. Pneumococcal pneumonia may develop on its own or from a respiratory condition such as the cold or flu.

Risk Factors

Age, usually 65 or older
Chronic health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disease
Respiratory conditions including COPD and asthma
Neurological disorders that affect swallowing, such as stroke, dementia and Alzheimer’s
Weakened immunity caused by chemotherapy, organ transplants and HIV/AIDs
Tobacco, drug and alcohol use
Hospitalization
Ventilator use
Exposure to airborne toxins, chemicals, pollutants and secondhand smoke

Symptoms

Symptoms vary from mild to severe depending on your age, health and exposure, and include:

Fever or chills
Coughing or wheezing
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Chest pain
Sudden fatigue
Confusion or disorientation
Muscle aches

Diagnosis and Treatment

Pneumococcal pneumonia kills 1 of every 20 infected individuals, so it’s important to address your symptoms as soon as possible. Your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms to help determine what germ caused your pneumonia. That’s essential for effective treatment because pneumococcal pneumonia presents similar symptoms as a cold or flu.

Your doctor may also conduct:

Blood tests
A chest X-ray
Pulse oximetry
A sputum test

It can take weeks to fully recover, so the sooner you start treatment, the better. Your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. Depending on the strain of pneumonia, you may require a different kind of antibiotic. Over-the-counter medicines can treat fever and muscle aches, and you should drink plenty of fluids to loosen the mucus in your lungs.

Preventing Pneumococcal Pneumonia

You can contract this type of pneumonia anywhere during any time of year. Be mindful of your hygiene and wash your hands regularly, especially if you’ve been in a public place. Avoid large crowds during cold and flu season.

Ask your doctor about the pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine. It can reduce your risk of contracting the infection, especially if you have a chronic health issue or respiratory problem. Vaccines are typically available at your doctor’s office and local pharmacies.

Embassy Healthcare is committed to providing our residents with a safe and healthy environment. Contact us to learn about our pneumonia risk assessment services.