Pneumococcal disease is a serious infection caused by a bacterium which is known as Streptococcus pneumoniae. Also known as pneumococcus, this bacterium can affect many different systems of the body as the bacteria upon entering the body cause contagious, potentially severe illnesses, including pneumonia, meningitis, and other nasal and respiratory problems. At the outset, mild symptoms like a sinus infection may be noticed, but if the infection deteriorates, it can also lead to pneumonia, an infection in the blood (sepsis), or bacterial meningitis. Pneumococcal disease is relatively common but can also be life-threatening at any age, therefore an early diagnosis and timely treatment are important before the ailment becomes fatal. One of the best protections against a developing infection from pneumococcal disease is vaccination. 
pneumococcal disease

Also Read: Pneumonia: Know About The Types And The Various Treatment Options

 Difference Between Pneumonia And Pneumococcal Disease

 Pneumococcal disease is the name for all kinds of infections caused by pneumococcus. One of the pneumococcal diseases is pneumococcal pneumonia, the most common pneumococcal disease. There are various causes of pneumonia besides pneumococcus. Several bacteria, viruses, and fungi can also cause pneumonia, thus not every case of pneumonia is pneumococcal pneumonia.

 Types Of Pneumococcal Disease

 Over a hundred strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae have been identified, but two main types of pneumococcal disease are common. The first one is noninvasive. This type of infection is more common, less serious, and does not spread to major organs or your blood. The second one is not invasive and more severe type that occurs in your blood, in an area of your body that does not have bacteria such as bones, and in vital organs like your lungs.

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 Pneumococcal Diseases That Need Urgent Attention

 Here are some pneumococcus diseases that cause the following illnesses and some of them may need urgent medical treatment: 

  • Blood infection
  • Brain and spinal cord membrane infection
  • Lung infection
  • Joint infection
  • Sepsis
  • Pneumococcal meningitis
  • Less serious illnesses that pneumococcus can cause include:
  • Bronchitis).
  • Middle ear infection
  • Pink eye
  • Sinusitis
  • Osteomyelitis

 Also Read: Osteomyelitis: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis And Treatment

 Who Are At Risk Of Pneumococcal Disease?

 Anyone can develop pneumococcal disease, but the following are at an increased risk: 

  • Patients with cochlear implants
  • People with cerebrospinal fluid leak
  • Diabetes patients
  • People with nephrotic syndrome
  • Sickle cell disease patients
  • People with conditions such as cancer or HIV
  • Patients who are age 65 or older.
  • People who have chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, or a long-standing kidney disease
  • Chain smokers
  • People with cochlear implants

 Symptoms Of Pneumococcal Disease

 Symptoms of pneumococcal disease vary based on the severity of the infection and the location of the spread. In the case of mild infections, you may experience fever, pain, and swelling of the affected body part.

 Symptoms of middle ear infection caused by pneumococcal bacteria include: 

  • Infection behind the eardrum
  • Pain and fatigue
  • Sinus infections
  • Loss of sense of smell

 In the case of pneumonia, the following symptoms can be seen: 

  • Chest pain
  • Cough
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Fever or chills

 Symptoms in the case of  meningitis are: 

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Low appetite
  • Sensitivity to light

 If you have bacteremia, you may experience: 

  • Chills
  • Fever
  • Confusion
  • Chest pain

 Diagnosis

 To diagnose pneumococcal disease, the healthcare provider does a physical exam and asks you about your medical history and current symptoms along with a blood test, a urine test, a phlegm test, a chest X-ray, and a spinal tap (lumbar puncture).

 Treatment  Of Pneumococcal Disease?

 To cure pneumococcal infections, an early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics is vital. The length of time needed for treatment and the type of antibiotic may be different depending on the infection location and the gravity of the issue. Severe infection may sometimes result in chronic illness or can lead to death. Healthcare providers use antibiotics to treat pneumococcal disease. However, several antibiotics are tried and changed because the bacteria have become resistant to certain medications, and they may no longer kill the bacteria. For mild infections, your doctors may recommend fluids, pain relievers, and rest for a few weeks. Only in severe cases, hospitalization is required.