streptococcal pneumonia
Quick Summary
Streptococcal pneumonia, also known as pneumococcal pneumonia, is the most common type of pneumonia, primarily caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae. This bacterium can reside in healthy individuals but causes illness when the body's resistance is lowered by other infections, such as the common cold.12
Symptoms typically include a sudden onset of high fever, chills, cough, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Diagnosis is usually made through sputum culture and chest X-ray. Treatment involves antibiotics, and recovery generally takes a few weeks, though it can be severe or fatal, especially for the elderly and young children. Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern.12
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