Community-acquired pneumonia

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) refers to pneumonia (any of several lung diseases) contracted by a person outside of the healthcare system. In contrast, hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) is seen in patients who have recently visited a hospital or who live in long-term care facilities. CAP is common, affecting people of all ages, and its symptoms occur as a result of oxygen-absorbing areas of the lung (alveoli) filling with fluid. This inhibits lung function, causing dyspnea, fever, chest pains and cough. CAP, the most common type of pneumonia, is a leading cause of illness and death worldwide. Its causes include bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. CAP is diagnosed by assessing symptoms, performing a physical examination, by x-ray or by sputum examination. Patients with CAP sometimes require hospitalization, and it is treated primarily with antibiotics, antipyretics and cough medicine. Some forms of CAP can be prevented by vaccination and by abstaining from tobacco products. Coughing which produces greenish or yellow sputum A high fever, accompanied by sweating, chills and shivering Sharp, stabbing chest pains Rapid, shallow, often painful breathing Coughing up blood (hemoptysis) Headaches, including migraines Loss of appetite Excessive fatigue Bluish skin (cyanosis) Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea Joint pain (arthralgia) Muscle aches (myalgia) Rapid heartbeat Dizziness or lightheadedness New or worsening confusion Hypothermia Poor coordination, which may lead to falls Unusual sleepiness Yellowing of the skin (jaundice) Difficulty feeding Major complications of CAP include: Sepsis - A life-threatening reaction to infection. A common cause of sepsis is bacterial pneumonia, frequently the result of infection with streptococcus pneumoniae. Patients with sepsis require intensive care with blood pressure monitoring and support against hypotension. Sepsis can cause liver, kidney and heart damage. Respiratory failure - CAP patients often have dyspnea, which may require support.