Community-Acquired Pneumonia Manifested by Acute Abdominal Pain: A Case Report

Pneumonia is a common acute respiratory infection that affects the alveoli and distal airways and typically presents with symptoms such as chest pain, cough, dyspnea, and fever. However, it can also manifest with nonspecific symptoms like abdominal pain. This case report presents a previously healthy 24-year-old male who initially presented with severe right upper quadrant abdominal pain and fever. Despite initial treatment, the patient's condition worsened, with the emergence of dyspnea and productive cough. Subsequent examination and imaging revealed community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. The diagnosis was confirmed through clinical examination, chest X-ray showing a right lower lobe infiltrate, and sputum analysis. The patient was successfully treated with intravenous fluoroquinolone and oral antibiotics upon discharge. This case underscores the importance of considering CAP in the differential diagnosis of acute abdominal pain to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure timely treatment. It highlights the need for awareness of atypical presentations of CAP.