what is bacterial pneumonia
Overview. Bacterial pneumonia is an infection in one or both lungs. The bacteria cause the lungâs air sacs (alveoli) to become inflamed and engorged with pus, fluid, and cellular debris. This often impairs the bodyâs ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.he most common symptoms of bacterial pneumonia are: 1  cough with yellow, green, or blood-tinged mucus. 2  chest pain that worsens when coughing or breathing. 3  sudden onset of chills. 4  fever of 102 degrees or above (lower than 102 in older persons). 5  headache. 6  muscle pain. 7  breathlessness or rapid breathing. 8  lethargy.