Community acquired pneumonia resident survival guide

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

Definition

A lower respiratory tract infection in a previously normal individual acquired through normal social contact rather than contracting it in a hospital.

Causes

Life Threatening Causes

No life threatening causes have been noted. However, complications of pneumonia could lead to life threatening situations like pleural effusion, lung abscess, bacteremia, septicemia or a secondary infection involving other organ systems.

Common Causes

Adults

• Typical Bacteria

1. Streptococcus pneumoniae
2. Haemophilus influenzae
3. Escherichia coli
4. Klebsiella pneumoniae
5. Pseudomonas aeruginosa

• Atypical Bacteria

1. Mycoplasma pneumoniae
2. Chlamydophila pneumoniae
3. Legionella pneumophila

• Viruses

1. Influenza
2. Parainfluenza
3. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
4. Metapneumovirus
5. Adenovirus

Management

Please find below an algorithm that summarizes the approach to community acquired pneumonia.