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{{Community-acquired pneumonia}}
{{Community-acquired pneumonia}}
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==Overview==
==Overview==
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is an [[infection]] of the lungs which occurs outside the hospital settings. It is the most common form of pneumonia and a major cause of morbidity and mortality. It often causes symptoms such as: [[breath]]ing difficulties, [[fever]], chest [[Pain and nociception|pains]], and [[cough]]. Community-acquired pneumonia occurs when the [[alveoli]] becomes filled with fluid and cannot work effectively.Causes of CAP include: [[bacteria]], [[viruses]], [[fungi]], and [[parasites]]. CAP can be [[diagnosis|diagnosed]] by its [[symptom]]s and [[physical examination]] alone, although [[x-ray]]s, examinations of the [[sputum]], and other tests are also often used. CAP is primarily treated with [[antibiotic]] [[medication]]. Some forms of CAP can be [[Preventive medicine|prevented]] by [[vaccination]].


Community-acquired pneumonia is a [[disease]] in which individuals who have not recently been [[hospital]]ized develop an [[infection]] of the [[lung]]s. CAP is a common illness and can affect people of all ages. It often causes problems like [[breath]]ing difficulties, [[fever]], chest [[Pain and nociception|pains]], and a [[cough]]. CAP occurs when the [[alveoli]] become filled with fluid and cannot work effectively. It occurs throughout the world and is a leading cause of illness and death. Causes of CAP include [[bacteria]], [[viruses]], [[fungi]], and [[parasites]]. CAP can be [[diagnosis|diagnosed]] by its [[symptom]]s and a [[physical examination]] alone, though [[x-ray]]s, examinations of the [[sputum]], and other tests are often used. CAP is primarily treated with [[antibiotic]] [[medication]]. Some forms of CAP can be [[Preventive medicine|prevented]] by [[vaccination]].
==Historical Perspective==
[[William Osler|Sir William Osler]], known as "the Father of Modern Medicine," appreciated the morbidity and mortality of [[pneumonia]], describing it as the "Captain of the Men of Death" in 1918. However, several key developments in the 1900s improved the outcome for those with pneumonia. With the arrival of [[penicillin]] and other antibiotics, modern surgical techniques, and intensive care in the twentieth century, mortality from [[pneumonia]] dropped precipitously in the developed world. [[Vaccination]] of infants against ''[[Haemophilus influenzae]]'' type b began in 1988 and led to a dramatic decline in cases shortly thereafter.<ref name=adams>Adams WG, Deaver KA, Cochi SL, et al. Decline of childhood ''[[Haemophilus influenzae]]'' type b (Hib) disease in the Hib vaccine era.''JAMA''1993;269:221-6. PMID 8417239</ref> Vaccination against ''[[Streptococcus pneumoniae|Streptococcus pneumoniae]]'' in adults began in 1977, and it began in children during the year 2000; this resulted in a similar decline.<ref name=whit>Whitney CG, Farley MM, Hadler J, et al. Decline in invasive pneumococcal disease after the introduction of pneumococcal protein-polysaccharide conjugate vaccine.'' New Engl J Med''. 2003;348:1737–1746. PMID 12724479</ref>


==Risk Factors==
==Pathophysiology==
The risk factors for pneumonia include: smoking, age, immuno-suppression, exposure to chemicals, underlying lung disease, and exposure to chemicals.
The lower [[respiratory tract]] is protected by different pulmonary defense mechanisms <ref name="Mason-2005">{{Cite journal  | last1 = Mason | first1 = CM. | last2 = Nelson | first2 = S. | title = Pulmonary host defenses and factors predisposing to lung infection. | journal = Clin Chest Med | volume = 26 | issue = 1 | pages = 11-7 | month = Mar | year = 2005 | doi = 10.1016/j.ccm.2004.10.018 | PMID = 15802161 }}</ref>. Community-acquired pneumonia connotes a breach of host defense mechanisms and/or an overwhelming inoculation of virulent infectious agents. Modes of transmission include: macro- or micro-aspiration, circulation, local spread, traumatic inoculation, and iatrogenic. Impaired immunity and inability to filter out pathogen increase the risk for developing [[pneumonia]]. Causative etiologies vary with age, immune status, geographical area, and comorbid conditions.


==Diagnosis==
==Causes==
===CURB-65 Clinical Prediction Rule===
Community-acquired pneumonia can be caused by viral, bacterial, and fungal organisms. Causative etiology varies with age, immune status, epidemiologic background, and comorbidity. The most common cause of CAP in adult outpatients and inpatients is ''[[Streptococcus pneumoniae]]''.  Patients admitted to the intensive care unit tend to have more aggressive organisms such as ''[[Staphylococcus aureus]]'' and Gram-negative bacilli.  Neonates are most susceptible to Group-B-Streptococcus (GBS) which causes approximately 50% of [[pneumonia]]s in the first week of life.  Children and elderly patients are more susceptible to viral infections as well atypical bacterial pneumonias ([[Mycoplasma]], [[Chlamydia]], [[Legionella]]).
CURB-65 is a [[clinical prediction rule]] that has been validated for predicting mortality in [[community-acquired pneumonia]]<ref name="pmid12728155">{{cite journal |author=Lim WS, van der Eerden MM, Laing R, ''et al'' |title=Defining community acquired pneumonia severity on presentation to hospital: an international derivation and validation study |journal=Thorax |volume=58 |issue=5 |pages=377-82 |year=2003 |pmid=12728155 |doi=}}</ref> and infection of any site<ref name="pmid17576773">{{cite journal |author=Howell MD, Donnino MW, Talmor D, Clardy P, Ngo L, Shapiro NI |title=Performance of severity of illness scoring systems in emergency department patients with infection |journal=Academic emergency medicine : official journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine |volume=14 |issue=8 |pages=709-14 |year=2007 |pmid=17576773 |doi=10.1197/j.aem.2007.02.036}}</ref>. The CURB-65 is based on the earlier CURB score<ref name="pmid11254821">{{cite journal |author=Lim WS, Macfarlane JT, Boswell TC, ''et al'' |title=Study of community acquired pneumonia aetiology (SCAPA) in adults admitted to hospital: implications for management guidelines |journal=Thorax |volume=56 |issue=4 |pages=296-301 |year=2001 |pmid=11254821 |doi=}}</ref> and is recommended by the [[British Thoracic Society]] for the assessment of severity of pneumonia.<ref name="pmid11713364">{{cite journal |author= |title=BTS Guidelines for the Management of Community Acquired Pneumonia in Adults |journal=Thorax |volume=56 Suppl 4 |issue= |pages=IV1-64 |year=2001 |pmid=11713364 |doi=}}</ref>


===Community-acquired pneumonia Severity Index===
==Differentiating Community-acquired pneumonia from other Diseases==
Pneumonia should be differentiated from other non-infectious conditions that cause [[cough]], [[fever]], [[shortness of breath]], [[tachypnea]] and lung infiltrates; such other conditions include: interstitial lung disease, [[CHF]], [[cancer]], and [[pulmonary emboli]].
 
== Epidemiology and Demographics ==
Pneumonia is the leading cause of death in children younger than 5 years of age worldwide. Both children and the elderly are at a higher risk of pneumonia complications. Developing countries have a higher mortality rate among children with pneumonia.
 
== Risk Factors ==
The risk factors of pneumonia include: smoking, age, immunosuppression, exposure to chemicals, and underlying lung disease.
 
== Natural History, Complications and Prognosis ==
 
Complications, including [[sepsis]], [[respiratory failure]], [[pleural effusion]], and [[empyema]], may occur despite appropriate antibiotic treatment. Complications are associated with bacterial pneumonia more frequently than they are with viral pneumonia. Most types of bacterial pneumonia can be cured within one to two weeks of using appropriate medication. Viral pneumonia may last longer, and mycoplasmal pneumonia may take four to six weeks to resolve completely. The eventual outcome of an episode of pneumonia depends on how ill the person is when first diagnosed.
 
== Diagnosis ==
 
=== CURB-65 ===
CURB-65 is a [[clinical prediction rule]] that has been validated for predicting mortality in [[community-acquired pneumonia]]<ref name="pmid12728155">{{cite journal |author=Lim WS, van der Eerden MM, Laing R, ''et al'' |title=Defining community acquired pneumonia severity on presentation to hospital: an international derivation and validation study |journal=Thorax |volume=58 |issue=5 |pages=377-82 |year=2003 |pmid=12728155 |doi=}}</ref> and infection of any site<ref name="pmid17576773">{{cite journal |author=Howell MD, Donnino MW, Talmor D, Clardy P, Ngo L, Shapiro NI |title=Performance of severity of illness scoring systems in emergency department patients with infection |journal=Academic emergency medicine : official journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine |volume=14 |issue=8 |pages=709-14 |year=2007 |pmid=17576773 |doi=10.1197/j.aem.2007.02.036}}</ref>. The CURB-65 is based on the earlier CURB score<ref name="pmid11254821">{{cite journal |author=Lim WS, Macfarlane JT, Boswell TC, ''et al'' |title=Study of community acquired pneumonia aetiology (SCAPA) in adults admitted to hospital: implications for management guidelines |journal=Thorax |volume=56 |issue=4 |pages=296-301 |year=2001 |pmid=11254821 |doi=}}</ref> and is recommended by the [[British Thoracic Society]] for the assessment of the severity of pneumonia.<ref name="pmid11713364">{{cite journal |author= |title=BTS Guidelines for the Management of Community Acquired Pneumonia in Adults |journal=Thorax |volume=56 Suppl 4 |issue= |pages=IV1-64 |year=2001 |pmid=11713364 |doi=}}</ref>
 
=== Pneumonia Severity Index ===
The [[pneumonia]] severity index is a clinical prediction rule that [[medicine|medical practitioners]] can use to calculate the probability of [[morbidity]] and [[death|mortality]] among patients with [[community acquired pneumonia]].<ref name="pmid8995086">Fine MJ, Auble TE, Yealy DM, Hanusa BH, Weissfeld LA, Singer DE, Coley CM, Marrie TJ, Kapoor WN. A prediction rule to identify low-risk patients with community-acquired pneumonia. ''N Engl J Med''. 1997 Jan 23;336(4):243–250. PMID 8995086</ref>
The [[pneumonia]] severity index is a clinical prediction rule that [[medicine|medical practitioners]] can use to calculate the probability of [[morbidity]] and [[death|mortality]] among patients with [[community acquired pneumonia]].<ref name="pmid8995086">Fine MJ, Auble TE, Yealy DM, Hanusa BH, Weissfeld LA, Singer DE, Coley CM, Marrie TJ, Kapoor WN. A prediction rule to identify low-risk patients with community-acquired pneumonia. ''N Engl J Med''. 1997 Jan 23;336(4):243–250. PMID 8995086</ref>


==References==
=== History and Symptoms ===
Common symptoms of pneumonia include: [[cough]], [[fever]], and [[difficulty breathing]].  Patients with CAP usually have a history of having close contact with similar symptoms.
 
=== Physical Examination ===
[[Physical examination]] by a health care provider may reveal: [[fever]],or sometimes [[hypothermia|low body temperature]]; an [[tachypnea|increased respiratory rate]]; [[hypotension|low blood pressure]]; a [[tachycardia|fast heart rate]]; or a low [[oxygen saturation]], which is the amount of oxygen in the blood as indicated by either [[pulse oximetry]] or [[arterial blood gas|blood gas analysis]]. People who are struggling to breathe, confused, or have [[cyanosis]] (blue-tinged skin) require immediate attention. A lack of normal breath sounds, the presence of crackling sounds ([[rales]]), or increased loudness of whispered speech (whispered pectoriloquy) can identify areas of the lung that are stiff and full of fluid; this is called "consolidation." The examiner may feel the way the chest expands ([[palpation]]) and tap the chest wall ([[Percussion (medicine)|percussion]]) to further localize consolidation. The examiner may also palpate for increased vibration of the chest when speaking (tactile fremitus).<ref name=metlay>Metlay JP, Kapoor WN, Fine MJ. Does this patient have community-acquired pneumonia? Diagnosing pneumonia by history and physical examination. ''JAMA'' 1997; 278:1440. PMID 9356004</ref>
 
=== Laboratory Findings ===
Laboratory findings, such as [[leukocytosis]], are helpful for the diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia or the assessment of the patient's status.  Sputum samples need to be collected from every patient and [[gram stain]]ing and culture need to be performed in order to determine the exact pathogen causing the pneumonia.  Other tests include: urine antigen test, [[PCR]], C-reactive protein, and [[procalcitonin]].
 
=== Chest X Ray ===
An important test for making a diagnosis of [[pneumonia]] is a chest [[x-ray]]. Chest x-rays can reveal areas of opacity (seen as white) which represent consolidation. Pneumonia is not always seen on x-rays, because the disease may either be in its initial stages or it involves a part of the lung not easily seen by an x-ray.
 
=== CT ===
A chest CT scan is not routinely done in patients with pneumonia, but it is a diagnostic test that may be useful when a chest X-ray is not conclusive. CT findings may include: lobar consolidation, ground-glass oppacities, pleural effusion, lymphadenopathy, and tree-in-bud appearance.
 
=== Ultrasound ===
In some cases, ultrasound is used to: diagnosis and follow-up a patient with pneumonia; perform a guided [[thoracocentesis]]; quantify the amount of pleural effusion.
 
=== Other Diagnostic Studies ===
[[Bronchoscopy]] with [[BAL]] ([[bronchoalveolar lavage]]) helps to identify certain uncommon pathogens that cause [[CAP]] and aid in the differential diagnosis to exclude non-infectious pneumonia.<ref name="MandellWunderink2007">{{cite journal|last1=Mandell|first1=L. A.|last2=Wunderink|first2=R. G.|last3=Anzueto|first3=A.|last4=Bartlett|first4=J. G.|last5=Campbell|first5=G. D.|last6=Dean|first6=N. C.|last7=Dowell|first7=S. F.|last8=File|first8=T. M.|last9=Musher|first9=D. M.|last10=Niederman|first10=M. S.|last11=Torres|first11=A.|last12=Whitney|first12=C. G.|title=Infectious Diseases Society of America/American Thoracic Society Consensus Guidelines on the Management of Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Adults|journal=Clinical Infectious Diseases|volume=44|issue=Supplement 2|year=2007|pages=S27–S72|issn=1058-4838|doi=10.1086/511159}}</ref>
 
== Treatment ==
 
=== Medical Therapy ===
[[Community acquired pneumonia]] treatment includes using the appropriate antibiotics and managing complications.  An empirical therapy may be started while awaiting culture results.  Once culture results are available, specific treatment may be started.  Empiric therapy is classified according to severity, using the [[Community-acquired pneumonia severity index|Pneumonia severity scale (PSI)]] and the [[Community-acquired pneumonia clinical prediction rule|CURB-65 score]].  Empirical therapy usually includes coverage for atypical and typical bacteria.
 
=== Primary Prevention ===
There are several ways of preventing infectious pneumonia. Appropriately treating underlying illnesses (such as AIDS), smoking cessation, vaccination against pneumococcal and influenza are the commonly used methods.
 
== References ==
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{{Reflist|2}}
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[[Category:primary care]]
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Latest revision as of 04:07, 29 October 2020

Pneumonia Main Page

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Diagnosis

Severity Criteria

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Alejandro Lemor, M.D. [2]

Overview

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is an infection of the lungs which occurs outside the hospital settings. It is the most common form of pneumonia and a major cause of morbidity and mortality. It often causes symptoms such as: breathing difficulties, fever, chest pains, and cough. Community-acquired pneumonia occurs when the alveoli becomes filled with fluid and cannot work effectively.Causes of CAP include: bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. CAP can be diagnosed by its symptoms and physical examination alone, although x-rays, examinations of the sputum, and other tests are also often used. CAP is primarily treated with antibiotic medication. Some forms of CAP can be prevented by vaccination.

Historical Perspective

Sir William Osler, known as "the Father of Modern Medicine," appreciated the morbidity and mortality of pneumonia, describing it as the "Captain of the Men of Death" in 1918. However, several key developments in the 1900s improved the outcome for those with pneumonia. With the arrival of penicillin and other antibiotics, modern surgical techniques, and intensive care in the twentieth century, mortality from pneumonia dropped precipitously in the developed world. Vaccination of infants against Haemophilus influenzae type b began in 1988 and led to a dramatic decline in cases shortly thereafter.[1] Vaccination against Streptococcus pneumoniae in adults began in 1977, and it began in children during the year 2000; this resulted in a similar decline.[2]

Pathophysiology

The lower respiratory tract is protected by different pulmonary defense mechanisms [3]. Community-acquired pneumonia connotes a breach of host defense mechanisms and/or an overwhelming inoculation of virulent infectious agents. Modes of transmission include: macro- or micro-aspiration, circulation, local spread, traumatic inoculation, and iatrogenic. Impaired immunity and inability to filter out pathogen increase the risk for developing pneumonia. Causative etiologies vary with age, immune status, geographical area, and comorbid conditions.

Causes

Community-acquired pneumonia can be caused by viral, bacterial, and fungal organisms. Causative etiology varies with age, immune status, epidemiologic background, and comorbidity. The most common cause of CAP in adult outpatients and inpatients is Streptococcus pneumoniae. Patients admitted to the intensive care unit tend to have more aggressive organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative bacilli. Neonates are most susceptible to Group-B-Streptococcus (GBS) which causes approximately 50% of pneumonias in the first week of life. Children and elderly patients are more susceptible to viral infections as well atypical bacterial pneumonias (Mycoplasma, Chlamydia, Legionella).

Differentiating Community-acquired pneumonia from other Diseases

Pneumonia should be differentiated from other non-infectious conditions that cause cough, fever, shortness of breath, tachypnea and lung infiltrates; such other conditions include: interstitial lung disease, CHF, cancer, and pulmonary emboli.

Epidemiology and Demographics

Pneumonia is the leading cause of death in children younger than 5 years of age worldwide. Both children and the elderly are at a higher risk of pneumonia complications. Developing countries have a higher mortality rate among children with pneumonia.

Risk Factors

The risk factors of pneumonia include: smoking, age, immunosuppression, exposure to chemicals, and underlying lung disease.

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Complications, including sepsis, respiratory failure, pleural effusion, and empyema, may occur despite appropriate antibiotic treatment. Complications are associated with bacterial pneumonia more frequently than they are with viral pneumonia. Most types of bacterial pneumonia can be cured within one to two weeks of using appropriate medication. Viral pneumonia may last longer, and mycoplasmal pneumonia may take four to six weeks to resolve completely. The eventual outcome of an episode of pneumonia depends on how ill the person is when first diagnosed.

Diagnosis

CURB-65

CURB-65 is a clinical prediction rule that has been validated for predicting mortality in community-acquired pneumonia[4] and infection of any site[5]. The CURB-65 is based on the earlier CURB score[6] and is recommended by the British Thoracic Society for the assessment of the severity of pneumonia.[7]

Pneumonia Severity Index

The pneumonia severity index is a clinical prediction rule that medical practitioners can use to calculate the probability of morbidity and mortality among patients with community acquired pneumonia.[8]

History and Symptoms

Common symptoms of pneumonia include: cough, fever, and difficulty breathing. Patients with CAP usually have a history of having close contact with similar symptoms.

Physical Examination

Physical examination by a health care provider may reveal: fever,or sometimes low body temperature; an increased respiratory rate; low blood pressure; a fast heart rate; or a low oxygen saturation, which is the amount of oxygen in the blood as indicated by either pulse oximetry or blood gas analysis. People who are struggling to breathe, confused, or have cyanosis (blue-tinged skin) require immediate attention. A lack of normal breath sounds, the presence of crackling sounds (rales), or increased loudness of whispered speech (whispered pectoriloquy) can identify areas of the lung that are stiff and full of fluid; this is called "consolidation." The examiner may feel the way the chest expands (palpation) and tap the chest wall (percussion) to further localize consolidation. The examiner may also palpate for increased vibration of the chest when speaking (tactile fremitus).[9]

Laboratory Findings

Laboratory findings, such as leukocytosis, are helpful for the diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia or the assessment of the patient's status. Sputum samples need to be collected from every patient and gram staining and culture need to be performed in order to determine the exact pathogen causing the pneumonia. Other tests include: urine antigen test, PCR, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin.

Chest X Ray

An important test for making a diagnosis of pneumonia is a chest x-ray. Chest x-rays can reveal areas of opacity (seen as white) which represent consolidation. Pneumonia is not always seen on x-rays, because the disease may either be in its initial stages or it involves a part of the lung not easily seen by an x-ray.

CT

A chest CT scan is not routinely done in patients with pneumonia, but it is a diagnostic test that may be useful when a chest X-ray is not conclusive. CT findings may include: lobar consolidation, ground-glass oppacities, pleural effusion, lymphadenopathy, and tree-in-bud appearance.

Ultrasound

In some cases, ultrasound is used to: diagnosis and follow-up a patient with pneumonia; perform a guided thoracocentesis; quantify the amount of pleural effusion.

Other Diagnostic Studies

Bronchoscopy with BAL (bronchoalveolar lavage) helps to identify certain uncommon pathogens that cause CAP and aid in the differential diagnosis to exclude non-infectious pneumonia.[10]

Treatment

Medical Therapy

Community acquired pneumonia treatment includes using the appropriate antibiotics and managing complications. An empirical therapy may be started while awaiting culture results. Once culture results are available, specific treatment may be started. Empiric therapy is classified according to severity, using the Pneumonia severity scale (PSI) and the CURB-65 score. Empirical therapy usually includes coverage for atypical and typical bacteria.

Primary Prevention

There are several ways of preventing infectious pneumonia. Appropriately treating underlying illnesses (such as AIDS), smoking cessation, vaccination against pneumococcal and influenza are the commonly used methods.

References

  1. Adams WG, Deaver KA, Cochi SL, et al. Decline of childhood Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) disease in the Hib vaccine era.JAMA1993;269:221-6. PMID 8417239
  2. Whitney CG, Farley MM, Hadler J, et al. Decline in invasive pneumococcal disease after the introduction of pneumococcal protein-polysaccharide conjugate vaccine. New Engl J Med. 2003;348:1737–1746. PMID 12724479
  3. Mason, CM.; Nelson, S. (2005). "Pulmonary host defenses and factors predisposing to lung infection". Clin Chest Med. 26 (1): 11–7. doi:10.1016/j.ccm.2004.10.018. PMID 15802161. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  4. Lim WS, van der Eerden MM, Laing R; et al. (2003). "Defining community acquired pneumonia severity on presentation to hospital: an international derivation and validation study". Thorax. 58 (5): 377–82. PMID 12728155.
  5. Howell MD, Donnino MW, Talmor D, Clardy P, Ngo L, Shapiro NI (2007). "Performance of severity of illness scoring systems in emergency department patients with infection". Academic emergency medicine : official journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine. 14 (8): 709–14. doi:10.1197/j.aem.2007.02.036. PMID 17576773.
  6. Lim WS, Macfarlane JT, Boswell TC; et al. (2001). "Study of community acquired pneumonia aetiology (SCAPA) in adults admitted to hospital: implications for management guidelines". Thorax. 56 (4): 296–301. PMID 11254821.
  7. "BTS Guidelines for the Management of Community Acquired Pneumonia in Adults". Thorax. 56 Suppl 4: IV1–64. 2001. PMID 11713364.
  8. Fine MJ, Auble TE, Yealy DM, Hanusa BH, Weissfeld LA, Singer DE, Coley CM, Marrie TJ, Kapoor WN. A prediction rule to identify low-risk patients with community-acquired pneumonia. N Engl J Med. 1997 Jan 23;336(4):243–250. PMID 8995086
  9. Metlay JP, Kapoor WN, Fine MJ. Does this patient have community-acquired pneumonia? Diagnosing pneumonia by history and physical examination. JAMA 1997; 278:1440. PMID 9356004
  10. Mandell, L. A.; Wunderink, R. G.; Anzueto, A.; Bartlett, J. G.; Campbell, G. D.; Dean, N. C.; Dowell, S. F.; File, T. M.; Musher, D. M.; Niederman, M. S.; Torres, A.; Whitney, C. G. (2007). "Infectious Diseases Society of America/American Thoracic Society Consensus Guidelines on the Management of Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Adults". Clinical Infectious Diseases. 44 (Supplement 2): S27–S72. doi:10.1086/511159. ISSN 1058-4838.

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