Community Acquired Pneumonia

Question 1

What is the typical history associated with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)?

Answer 1

• Acute onset of fever, chills, and productive cough
• Pleuritic chest pain and shortness of breath
• History of recent exposure to respiratory infections

Question 2

What are the key physical examination findings in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)?

Answer 2

• Fever, tachypnea, and tachycardia
• Dullness to percussion and decreased breath sounds over the affected area
• Crackles and bronchial breath sounds on auscultation

Question 3

What investigations are necessary for diagnosing community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)?

Answer 3

• Chest X-ray showing infiltrates or consolidation
• Sputum culture and Gram stain
• Blood tests: CBC, blood cultures, CRP

Question 4

What are the non-pharmacological management strategies for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)?

Answer 4

• Adequate hydration and rest
• Use of a humidifier to ease breathing
• Elevation of the head of the bed to improve ventilation

Question 5

What are the pharmacological management options for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)?

Answer 5

• Empiric antibiotics based on local resistance patterns (e.g., macrolides, fluoroquinolones)
• Analgesics and antipyretics for fever and pain
• Oxygen therapy if hypoxemia is present

Question 6

What are the red flags to look for in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) patients?

Answer 6

• Severe respiratory distress or cyanosis
• Hemodynamic instability: hypotension, tachycardia
• Signs of sepsis or multi-organ dysfunction

Question 7

When should a patient with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) be referred to a specialist?

Answer 7

• Refractory symptoms or failure to improve with initial antibiotic therapy
• Suspected or confirmed drug-resistant pathogens
• Need for advanced diagnostic evaluation or surgical intervention

Question 8

What is one key piece of pathophysiology related to community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)?

Answer 8

• Infection of the lung parenchyma
• Most commonly caused by bacteria (e.g., Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae)
• Leads to alveolar inflammation and consolidation