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Published on: May 6, 2014

[Management of community-acquired pneumonia in the physician's office]

H M Lode1, R Erbes, A Linnhoff

  • 1Helios Klinikum Emil von Behring, Department Lungenklinik Heckeshorn. haloheck@zedat.fu-berlin.de

MMW Fortschritte Der Medizin
|April 14, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) caused by pneumococcus presents with fever and five cardinal symptoms. Diagnosis and treatment decisions for CAP depend on risk factors and clinical presentation.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pulmonology

Context:

  • Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common infection.
  • Pneumococcal pneumonia represents the classical form of CAP.
  • Clinical presentation differs from atypical pneumonia, particularly regarding fever.

Purpose:

  • To outline the diagnostic criteria for pneumococcal pneumonia.
  • To describe the clinical and laboratory work-up for CAP.
  • To detail antibiotic treatment options for CAP.

Summary:

  • Pneumococcal pneumonia is diagnosed based on five cardinal symptoms: fever, cough, sputum production, pleuritic chest pain, and pulmonary infiltrate.
  • Diagnostic work-up intensity varies with identified risk factors.
  • Oral antibiotics such as aminopenicillins, macrolides, fluoroquinolones, ketolides, or cephalosporins are commonly prescribed.

Impact:

  • Provides a clinical overview of pneumococcal pneumonia diagnosis and management.
  • Highlights the importance of risk factor assessment in treatment decisions.
  • Informs clinical practice regarding appropriate antibiotic selection for CAP.

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