Community-acquired pneumonia is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Community-acquired pneumonia can be prevented through vaccination with pneumococcal, influenza, and COVID-19 vaccines. Diagnosis requires suggestive history and physical findings in conjunction with radiographic evidence of infiltrates. Laboratory testing can help guide therapy. Important issues in treatment include choosing the correct treatment venue, timely initiation of the appropriate antibiotic or antiviral, deescalation after negative culture results, switching to oral therapy, and short treatment duration.
Use this article to:
- Think about the criteria for the diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia.
- When should antibiotics or antivirals be prescribed? How long should they be continued?
- Think about the criteria for hospitalization of a patient with community-acquired pneumonia.
- Test your knowledge by completing the quiz that accompanies the article and then review the correct answers.
Annals of Internal Medicine is the premier internal medicine academic journal published by the American College of Physicians (ACP). It is one of the most widely cited and influential specialty medical journals in the world.
Back to the June 2022 issue of ACP IMpact