Community-acquired pneumonia

Abstract:

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common and potentially serious condition. A variety of microorganisms reach the lower respiratory tract by microaspiration of the oropharyngeal secretion. Diagnosing CAP is based on clinical signs (fever, tachypnea, tachycardia, cracles) and symptoms (cough, pleural pain) with chest radiography. Streptoccocus pneumoniae is the most frequently isolated pathogen. Initial treatment regimens for CAP are mostly empiric and include administration of beta-lactams and macrolides antibiotics effective against Streptococcus pneumoniae. Fluoroquinolones should be avoided for the therapy of uncomplicated pneumonia. Slow or incomplete resolution of pneumonia is a common but sometimes neglected clinical issue. Approximately one fifth of the incomplete resolution CAP are noninfectious diseases. 

Key words:
pathogenesis; pneumonia; treatment