Bacterial Pneumonia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Bacterial Pneumonia?
A primary care doctor can treat most cases of bacterial pneumonia. A pulmonologist (a lung doctor) treats serious cases, and an infectious disease doctor may help when the germ is unusual. Severe cases are treated in the hospital. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is bacterial pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection in one or both lungs. It makes the air sacs of the lungs fill up with fluid or pus. Bacteria, viruses, and fungi can all cause pneumonia, but bacteria are the most common cause in adults.
Bacterial pneumonia can occur on its own. It can also develop after a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. Pneumonia can range from mild to severe, depending on what caused it, your age, and your health.
Symptoms
Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:
- Cough, often with phlegm, a thick mucus made in your lungs. Some pneumonias bring up greenish, yellow, or rust-colored mucus.
- Fever, which may be mild or high.
- Shaking chills.
- Shortness of breath, which may only happen when you climb stairs or exert yourself.
- Chest pain that gets worse when you breathe deeply or cough.
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Confusion, especially in older people.
- Loss of appetite, low energy, and fatigue.
Older adults and people with weak immune systems may have milder symptoms, or a lower temperature than normal.
Causes and who gets it
Many bacteria can cause pneumonia. The most common is Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). Others include Legionella pneumophila, which causes Legionnaires' disease, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Germs that live in your nose, sinuses, or mouth can spread to your lungs, or you may breathe germs directly into your lungs.
Anyone can get pneumonia, but some things raise the risk. These include age, smoking, heavy alcohol use, chronic lung disease, a weak immune system, serious illnesses such as heart disease or diabetes, and a recent cold or flu. The risk is highest for children age 2 and under and adults 65 and older.
How doctors diagnose it
Your doctor will ask about your health history and do a physical exam. The exam includes listening to your lungs with a stethoscope for crackles or abnormal breath sounds. If pneumonia is suspected, your doctor will likely order a chest x-ray, a picture of the lungs.
Other tests may include a complete blood count (CBC), a blood or sputum culture (a lab test that grows germs to find the one causing the infection), pulse oximetry (a small clip that measures the oxygen in your blood), and a chest CT scan (a detailed x-ray).
Treatment
Antibiotics (medicines that kill bacteria) treat bacterial pneumonia. They do not work for viral pneumonia. Antibiotics should be started very soon after diagnosis. Most people can be treated at home with pills. The pills are usually taken for 3 to 5 days, but sometimes for 2 weeks or more. Take the medicine until it is gone, even when you feel better.
You may need hospital care if your symptoms are severe, if you are 65 or older, or if you have another serious illness. In the hospital you may get fluids and antibiotics through a vein, and oxygen therapy.
Rest and fluids help recovery. With treatment, most people improve rapidly and feel nearly back to normal within 2 weeks, but older adults or very sick people may need longer.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you have a cough with rust-colored mucus, shaking chills, or a fever that does not go away. Call 911 or go to the emergency room right away for trouble breathing or breathing that gets worse. Do the same for fast or painful breathing, chest pain that gets worse when you cough, coughing up blood, new confusion, or fainting. Severe pneumonia can lead to serious illness or even death. It can also cause bacteremia, when bacteria move into the bloodstream, and fluid around the lungs.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. This doctor can examine you, order a chest x-ray, and start antibiotics when needed. The doctor can also follow your recovery and coordinate hospital or specialist care.
Common questions
Is bacterial pneumonia contagious?
It can be. Avoiding contact with people who are sick and washing your hands often can help prevent pneumonia. Germs that live in your nose, sinuses, or mouth may also spread to your lungs and cause pneumonia.
How is bacterial pneumonia treated?
Antibiotics treat bacterial pneumonia, and most people can be treated at home. Antibiotics are usually prescribed for 3 to 5 days, although sometimes for 2 weeks or more. Take the medicine until it is gone, even when you feel better.
Can bacterial pneumonia be prevented?
Vaccines can help. The pneumococcal vaccine lowers your chances of getting pneumonia from Streptococcus pneumoniae. Washing your hands often, not smoking, and having a healthy lifestyle may also help.
How long does recovery take?
It may take time to recover. Some people feel better within a week. With treatment, most people improve rapidly and feel nearly back to normal within 2 weeks, but others need a month or more.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
