Community-Acquired Pneumonia Guide
What it is
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a lower respiratory infection acquired outside the hospital setting.
Common causes
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Haemophilus influenzae
- Atypical organisms (e.g., Mycoplasma)
- Respiratory viruses
Treatment approach
- Outpatient and stable: guideline-concordant oral antibiotics based on comorbidity and local resistance patterns.
- Inpatient/severe: broader empiric therapy with reassessment and narrowing once data returns.
Non-pharmacologic care
- Hydration, rest, and smoking cessation support
- Vaccination optimization (influenza, pneumococcal)
Monitoring and follow-up
- Reassess symptoms and vitals within 48-72 hours if worsening risk
- Escalate care for hypoxia, confusion, hypotension, or respiratory distress